THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it has yet to receive requests for widespread price increases on basic necessities and prime commodities, with only canned sardines and candles granted adjustments so far.
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the approved increase covers sardine manufacturers and was based on rising operating costs for fishing vessels.
‘Actually, we granted them,’ Roque told reporters on the sidelines of a DTI-led event in Pasay City when asked about earlier requests for price adjustments.
The DTI Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin as of May 11 shows that canned sardines generally range from about P18 to P24.75 per 155-gram can, depending on the product specification. Meanwhile, candles range from P48.50 to P117.75 per pack.
Meanwhile, processed meat products also remain under the agency’s price watch, with meat loaf priced at P18 to P25.75, corned beef at P23 to P41.75, and beef loaf at P18.15 to P25, with no new adjustments announced for these items.
Roque said the department has not convened new meetings on possible price adjustments, noting that market conditions have remained generally stable.
‘For now, none. We’re [stabilizing],’ she said when asked whether renewed tensions in the Middle East could trigger another round of price increases.
The DTI would resume discussions only if manufacturers formally express an intention to seek further adjustments, she said.