DTI assures no price increase in basic, prime goods in supermarkets until April
The Department of Trade and Industry assured that there will be no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities in supermarkets amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking with the media, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque urged consumers not to panic as she underscored that the Philippines has enough food supply.
"We coordinate with the supermarkets and also with the manufacturers, and they have assured us din po that there is enough supply. Even the Department of Agriculture has also reiterated na mayroon po tayong enough supply, so huwag tayong magpanik and huwag tayong mag-worry," she said.
As for basic necessities and prime commodities, Roque said that the prices will remain stable up until April.
"Wala po tayong price increase dito up to April 16. They can go to the different supermarkets and groceries to check the list," she said.
"Ang importante po to all the consumers, let's have that list para alam rin natin kung magkano talaga ang presyo nitong mga product na sakop ng basic necessities and prime commodities," she added.
The agency will continue to monitor and enforce the suggested retail prices of these goods.
"In the entire country po, we have offices and we have people that do this on a daily basis. So rest assured, nandito po ang DTI to make sure that we get stable prices of food," Roque said.
Basic necessities and prime commodities cover a wide range of products, such as rice, cooking oil, marine products, fresh eggs, pork, beef, and more.
The Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association previously urged households not to panic buy, but instead purchase only 15% more than what they really need amid fears of higher grocery costs.
Concerns about a possible price increase in food comes as the Philippines is facing severe fuel hikes in the past few weeks due to the conflict in the Middle East. Within days of being attacked by the US and Israel, Iran blocked passage of oil tankers through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, severely crippling much of the world's fuel supply.
