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MANILA – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual has assured consumers that supplies and prices of basic goods remained stable despite the onslaught of the recent typhoons and heavy rains affecting parts of the country, especially in Luzon.
In a message Wednesday, Pascual said DTI regional and provincial offices are regularly monitoring supplies and prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).
“Currently, the supply of BNPCs is stable,” he said. “We call on Filipino consumers to avoid panic buying as we assure that the prices and supplies of BNPCs remain stable as of date.”
Pascual said the DTI will continue the close monitoring of prices and supplies of basic goods and prime commodities especially in areas declared under state of calamity.
“Our provincial offices in Pampanga and Bulacan are finalizing the list of price freeze for basic necessities as of date. The province of Bataan, on the other hand, has issued a prevailing list of price freeze as of July 6, 2023 due to the outbreak of African swine (fever). This is also still in effect. Further, the municipalities of Paniqui and Camiling (in) Tarlac and Zaragosa in Nueva Ecija already issued a list of price freeze and informed business establishments regarding it,” he added.
The DTI chief also urged consumers to report to the agency the establishments that are overpricing, hoarding and doing other unfair and unjust sales practices.
Consumers can report their complaints to DTI hotline 1-384 or via consumercare@dti.gov.ph. (PNA)
