ILOILO City—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Western Visayas moved to calm public concerns over possible price spikes and supply disruptions, assuring consumers that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) remain stable and that supplies in the region’s markets are sufficient as fuel prices surge due to rising tensions in the Middle East.
DTI Region 6 has intensified monitoring of supermarkets and grocery stores across the region to ensure that retailers comply with suggested retail prices (SRPs) and that consumers continue to have access to essential goods.
Basic necessities include the following:
* rice
* bread
* fish
* meat
* eggs
* potable water
* milk
* vegetables
* fruits
* instant noodles
* coffee
* sugar
* cooking oil, and
* household gas.
Prime commodities, meanwhile, include the following products:
* flour
* processed meat
* non-basic dairy products
* condiments
* toilet soap
* fertilizers
* paper products
* construction materials
* batteries, and
* non-essential drugs.
DTI-6’s assurance comes as geopolitical tensions abroad trigger concerns nationwide that supply chains and fuel prices could affect the cost of consumer goods in local markets.
In a public advisory, DTI-6 said its provincial offices across Western Visayas have strengthened their market surveillance activities to track prices and inventory levels of BNPCs.
Under Republic Act No. 10623, these goods are subject to regular price monitoring and compliance with government-issued SRPs.
“DTI Region 6 works to safeguard consumers and keep essential products affordable and accessible. Our foremost priority is consumer welfare,” the agency said.
“We are fully committed to maintaining the affordability of essential products. With the volatile situation overseas, we want to reassure the public that we are closely monitoring the market and will take prompt action to curb any potential price hikes or shortages,” it added.
The agency also encouraged the public to report any irregularities in pricing or shortages of essential goods to the nearest DTI provincial office.
DTI-6 said public participation is vital in strengthening consumer protection and ensuring accountability among retailers.
It likewise urged residents to support locally produced goods, noting that buying local helps stabilize the regional economy and cushion it from global disruptions./PN
