DESPITE growing production costs, there will be no increase in the prices of canned sardines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque on Monday, June 23, met with key members of the Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines to address industry reports of a proposed P3-increase in the suggested retail price (SRP) for a 155-gram can.

Manufacturers initially cited higher production costs as the basis for the intended price adjustment.

However, following the dialogue with DTI, manufacturers—including Chattrade, Mega Prime Foods Inc., PERMEX, Universal Canning Inc., and Century Pacific Food Inc.—collectively agreed to hold off on any price hike for now, a report by Philstar said.

Roque confirmed that these companies pledged to maintain the current SRP for canned sardines, ensuring continued affordability of this essential household item.

The DTI continues to monitor price movements to safeguard consumer welfare, especially for basic necessities like canned sardines.(Rey Niño P. Puso, PIT Comm Intern)

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