No price hikes for basic goods until yearend, DTI says

National

HOUSEHOLD staples, including canned goods, coffee, bread and laundry soap, will not see price increases until Dec. 31, 2026, under commitments made by manufacturers to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“(There will be) no price increase up to Dec. 31, 2026,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the National Trade Fair Coconut Philippines, as quoted by Philstar.

Roque said the commitment covers all basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) under the DTI’s jurisdiction, following a meeting with manufacturers.

These include canned sardines, milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, detergent or laundry soap, bottled water, candles, luncheon meat, meat loaf, corned beef, beef loaf, vinegar, patis (fish sauce), soy sauce, toilet soap and batteries.

Despite high fuel and raw material costs, manufacturers have committed to maintaining current prices, Roque said. They also assured the DTI of sufficient supplies, prompting her to advise consumers against panic buying and hoarding.

The agency is also seeking to keep prices of products commonly used to prepare the traditional Christmas Eve meal stable. However, Roque said the DTI would first meet with manufacturers to discuss the proposed price commitment before making any announcement.

She said the agency wants manufacturers to maintain the prices of Noche Buena products as well, but no agreement has been secured for these items.

Meanwhile, amid El Niño conditions, Roque said farmers may access existing loan facilities offered by Small Business Corp., the DTI’s financing arm.(MyTVCebu)