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The latest round of fuel price hikes this week is no excuse for traders to raise the products of basic commodities, the Department of Trade and Industry said Wednesday.

 

DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said the department will be vigilant over cases of profiteering. 

 

"Napakadaling gawing dahilan ‘yung pagtaas ng presyo ng gasoline. Sinasabi agad magkakaroon ng epekto sa presyo ng pangunahing bilihin. So ‘yan ang unang unang dapat bantayan," she said in an interview on dzXL radio.

 

For now, Maglaya said the DTI is reviewing the suggested retail prices of basic goods and may publish an updated list soon.

 

"Tayo ay nagre-review ng SRP at magpa-publish ng updated (list)," she said.

 

She also hinted the DTI may coordinate with the Department of Energy in checking the inventories of fuel to make sure there is no shortage of fuel.

 

Earlier this week, several fuel companies raised the prices of their products, including diesel, regular and unleaded gas, and kerosene.

 

It was the fourth price hike so far this month.

 

Also, Maglaya urged the public to call the DTI hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. if they see traders citing fuel price hikes as an excuse to jack up prices.

 

"Kung meron silang nakikitang kaduda-dudang pagtaas sa presyo at ang sinasabi gasolina ang dahilan, maaaring tumawag sa 7513330," she said.

 

Maglaya maintained there is so far no reason to raise prices. Besides, she said they have not received any advice from manufacturers of price increases. –KG, GMA News