MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has secured a temporary price stability window for essential goods, assuring consumers that no increases will be implemented until April 16 despite mounting global oil price pressures linked to the Middle East crisis.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the government has not recorded any price hikes among basic necessities and prime commodities, covering around 205 stock keeping units (SKUs) available in supermarkets, groceries, and online platforms.
“We will not have any price increase up to April 16. And we will keep on updating them. Kasi may mga ibang produkto na hanggang end of April, wala pong price increase,” Roque said.
Roque added that some products may maintain current prices until the end of April, depending on existing agreements between manufacturers and retailers.
The DTI said suppliers have committed to maintaining sufficient inventory levels, helping stabilize prices of key commodities such as canned sardines, corned beef, instant noodles, bottled water, coffee, milk, selected dairy goods, and candles.
However, the agency clarified that not all brands and product variants are covered under the arrangement, meaning certain items may still be subject to price adjustments.
Consumers are advised to check the official list of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC), which is posted in retail outlets and on the DTI’s website and social media platforms.
Roque said the agency is conducting weekly consultations with manufacturers to reassess market conditions beyond mid-April.
“Titingnan natin ulit, because weekly po ang usap namin with the manufacturers,” she said.
The assurance comes even as supermarket groups warn that some products — including pasta, noodles, canned goods, and confectionery — may see price adjustments as early as April 1 due to rising production and transport costs.
Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a national energy emergency under Executive Order No. 110, the DTI emphasized that no automatic nationwide price freeze has been triggered under the Price Act.
Still, the agency said 21 major manufacturers have pledged to hold prices steady for at least 30 to 60 days, while consumer protection teams remain on heightened alert amid continuing global energy uncertainties./PN
