PRICES of basic goods and prime commodities in Central Luzon are still stable and within the prevailing prices.
“Based on actual monitoring conducted by our provincial teams during the first week of April in supermarkets, public markets and retail establishments, the prices of almost all items monitored were within the Suggested Retail Price table,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Judith Angeles said.
Since the declaration of a public health emergency last March 9, there is an Automatic Price Freeze on basic goods and prime commodities.
In addition, the DTI monitoring teams also noted that the stores they visited complied with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases advisories on limiting the number of items purchased per buyer, especially basic goods and prime commodities. Groceries and supermarkets also implemented social distancing policies for their customers and staff.
The monitoring teams from the DTI provincial offices also reported that sardines, noodles and other canned goods were the most saleable items, thus, they have the lowest stock level.
The teams also noted that stock inventories of stores ranged from three days to two months. Bulk purchases of basic goods by local government units and private sectors for their relief operations is the major reason for low stocks in the retail establishments.
“Despite these, we have urged stores to facilitate the replenishment of their stocks even while there is an Enhanced Community Quarantine. Under IATF rules, there should be unhampered movement of essential goods,” Angeles added.
Consumers are reminded to report any case of hoarding or overpricing to the DTI through its hotline 1-384 or text 09178343330. Consumers may also look for advisories and send a message to DTI-3’s Facebook page at DTI.Centralluzon or email ask@dti.gov.ph. (PIA-Central Luzon)