DTI pushes delisting evap, condensed milk, condiments, coffee packs, others in SRP bulletin

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is proposing to remove some products in the suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin in a bid to streamline the list.

In a statement, the DTI said it made the proposal during a special meeting of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) last month.

The Trade Department said the proposed delisted items in the SRP list include condensed milk, condensada, evaporated milk, evaporada, coffee refill, candles, salt, bottled water, condiments, and batteries.

Items proposed to be retained in the SRP list are sardines, powdered milk, bread, laundry soap, instant noodles, processed and canned meat,  and toilet soap.

"Our goal with this proposal is to improve the usability and relevance of the SRP Bulletin, making it a more effective tool for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions,” said Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.

“By aligning the SRP with essential daily and emergency items, we are taking a significant step towards better price stability and consumer protection," said Pascual.

The SRP bulletin, being released by the DTI, serves as a guide to consumers in making informed purchasing decisions. 

The public may refer to the most recent SRP list of basic and prime goods before going to supermarkets and grocery stores.

The DTI said the proposal to streamline the SRP list follows various consultations with stakeholders including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Inc., Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners, and several retailers.

The Trade Department added it also considered data from the Family Income and Expenditure Survey, Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket of commodities, and top-selling items in sari-sari stores.

To further refine the proposal, a technical working group (TWG) will be established to finalize the list of stock keeping units within each category, according to the DTI.

The DTI is mandated to ensure price stability and adequate supply of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).—AOL, GMA Integrated News