DTI: Makers of basic goods vow no price hikes for next 30 to 60 days

Manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) have pledged to maintain current prices in the short term to ease price pressures resulting from fuel price volatility due to the Middle East conflict, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the DTI said a total of 21 manufacturers of BNPCs – canned sardines, bread, bottled water, instant noodles, coffee, canned meat, toilet soap, and candles – confirmed that they will not adjust prices for the next 30 days, “with some able to do so for up to 60 days.”

This was during a meeting with Trade Secretary Cristina Roque on March 16.

With this, the DTI said there would be no price increases for the following:

• Canned sardines: Unipak, 555, Ligo, Lucky 7, Fresca, Morjon, Golden Town, and Mega
• Bread products: Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal
• Bottled water: Wilkins and Nature’s Spring
• Toilet and laundry soaps: Safeguard Pure White, Tide Bar Original Scent, and Green Cross Pure White
• Condiments: Datu Puti’s soy sauce and vinegar, and Lorins’ Patis
• Processed canned meat of CDO
• Candles from Liwanag

Meanwhile, the DTI said the prices of brands such as Lucky Me, Ho-Mi, Argentina, Lucky 7, 555, Swift Premium, Wow!, and Shanghai will remain at their current prices for the next 60 days. 

Manufacturers of brands such as Kopiko, Nescafe, San Mig coffee 3-in-1, and Export candle have pledged to maintain current prices with no price increase for the time being.

“We recognize the financial strain faced by consumers while also acknowledging the cost pressures confronting manufacturers. Our priority remains to ensure a fair and reasonable pricing. We thank our manufacturing partners for their commitment and shared concern for Filipino consumers,” Roque said.

The DTI said it is working closely with the industry to ensure a steady supply and stable prices of basic goods to protect the Filipino consuming public. — JMA, GMA Integrated News