DTI eyes more talks with manufacturers to avoid price hikes after April 16

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is eyeing more discussions with manufacturers to prevent price increases of basic consumer goods even after April 16, Malacañang said Tuesday. 

To recall, the DTI said over the weekend that there would be no price hike of basic goods until April 16. 

In a press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked if it was expected that the prices of goods would increase after that date.

"Nakausap po natin kahapon si [DTI] Secretary Cris Roque, at nag-report po siya sa Pangulo sa UPLIFT (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport), at sinabi po niya na mayroon nga po tayong listahan dito ng mga produkto... kung saan po, nangako po ang mga manufacturers na hindi nga po magkakaroon ng price increase hanggang April 16, 2026," Castro said.

(We spoke with DTI Secretary Cris Roque yesterday. She reported to the President about the UPLIFT, or the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport program, where she said that we have a list of products... wherein manufacturers promised not to implement price increases until April 16, 2026.)

"Pero nangako rin po si Secretary Cris Roque na weekly ay magmo-monitor po sila. At sa aking pagkakaalam, balak po niyang makipag-meeting muli ngayon sa mga manufacturers para po hindi tumaas ang presyo," she added. 

(However, Secretary Cris Roque also promised that her office would conduct weekly monitoring. As far as I know, she plans to meet with manufacturers now so that prices would not rise.)

The Trade and Industry chief earlier said the agency has yet to monitor upticks in the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities.

Roque said this covers around 205 stock keeping units (SKUs) sold in supermarkets, groceries, and online platforms. These products will remain at current prices until April 16, while some items are expected to hold prices until the end of April.

The DTI had met with manufacturers and retailers, who assured the agency of sufficient supply and inventory that would help prevent price hikes for now. 

Among the products included in the monitoring list are canned sardines, corned beef, cup noodles, bottled water, coffee, milk, some dairy products, and candles. — VDV, GMA Integrated News