DTI: No price increase in storm-weary Cebu

Local

EVEN as Typhoon Tino disrupted life across Cebu, shoppers found relief in supermarkets, where most essential goods were sold at government-set prices—or even lower.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque conducted inspections on Thursday, Nov. 13, to check compliance with the nationwide price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities.

The visit marked the second stop in a four-supermarket monitoring tour in Cebu City, with Roque checking prices at G Supermarket inside Gmall.

She confirmed that most items were sold within or below the suggested retail price (SRP) set by the DTI.

Roque emphasized that the price freeze, implemented under the state of calamity following Typhoon Tino, will remain in effect for 60 days unless lifted earlier by the President.

“We don’t have a price increase for the next 60 days because our President declared a state of calamity for the whole country. That means the price of basic necessities and prime commodities will not increase,” she said.

During the inspection, Roque also reviewed Noche Buena items, which are expected to be in high demand during the holiday season.

She observed that most items had maintained their prices from last year, while a few brands registered minor increases.

According to Roque, the majority of products had not increased in price, with most remaining within the range set by the DTI under the instructions of the President.

Roque explained that some items being sold below SRP are due to competitive business practices.

“Usually, if you’re a businessman, you’ll lower the price. The lower your price, the more competitive you become. They try to get lower costs of raw materials or bring down other costs, sometimes lowering profit to get a bigger market share,” she said.

The DTI’s Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Department monitors prices daily to ensure compliance with government regulations, particularly during emergencies and peak holiday seasons.

Earlier, DTI has implemented a 60-day automatic price freeze on all basic commodities across the country following the declaration of a state of national calamity due to devastation from Typhoon Tino.

DTI, which chairs the National Price Coordinating Council said the price freeze is now in place unless lifted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The department said it is closely working with all members of the NPCC “to protect consumers during this critical period.” Marcos on Thursday approved the declaration of a state of national calamity.(MyTVCebu)