THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Occidental has issued buying tips amid the new suggested retail prices (SRPs) for Noche Buena items for a hassle-free celebration of the upcoming Yuletide season.
DTI-Negros Occidental provincial director Lea Gonzales, in a statement Monday, October 22, said consumers are reminded to examine the expiry date and price of products.
Gonzales said they should also ensure that the shelf price and that at the cashier are the same. If prices differ, consumers will pay the lesser amount.
"SRPs apply nationwide unless specified. These prices also apply to both supermarkets and wet markets unless specified," she said, adding that the buying public should always carefully check and compare the weights of competing brands.
Based on the new SRPs for Noche Buena products released on October 13, price of a 500-gram ham ranges from P137 to P949 depending on the brand.
For fruit cocktail, the price ranges from P49 to P225 for 432 grams net weight still depending on brands.
Various brands of 44 grams to 950 grams of cheese cost P48.50 to P265 while price of queso de bola ranges from P169 to P495.
Sandwich spread is sold at P20.25 to P205.80 depending on net weight and brands. Mayonnaise in pouch and jar costs P28 to P283 also depending on the net weight and brands.
DTI further announced that prices of pasta spaghetti are now ranging from P15.25 to P92. Also, the cost of the products depends on the number of grams and brands.
Other Noche Buena items include various brands of elbow and salad macaroni with price ranges from P15.25 to P92.75 for 200 grams to one kilogram; spaghetti sauce, P22 to P77 for 250 grams to one kilogram; tomato sauce, P12.25 to P81 for 115 grams to one kilogram; and creamer, P49.50 to P69 for 250 milliliter (ml) to 410 ml.
DTI-Negros Occidental advised the public to inquire or report to their office any complaints through telephone number 434-7920 or email address r06.negrosoccidental.gov.ph.