In the latest suggested retail price (SRP) list for the basic necessities and prime commodities, the prices of 30.7 percent of goods went up, the Department of Trade and Industry said on Wednesday, Aug. 17.

In an interview during DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan, DTI Assistant Secretary Anne Cabochan said out of the 218 stock keeping units (SKU), about 69.27 percent remained at their price level and 30.73 percent had increased.

“Kahit po doon po sa humihingi ng increase sa DTI, hindi po lahat napayagan na mag taas po ng presyo at this time,” she explained.

DTI released the updated SRP list on Aug. 12 and it immediately took effect in the supermarkets.

According to Cabochan, the can of sardines had an increase of Php 1.00, a 6 percent increase from its previous price level.

But she noted that only six brands of the can of sardines had a price increase.

Two instant noodle brands had an increase of Php 0.30, the 3-in-1 instant coffee went up by Php 0.40, and processed milk rise by Php 1.00 - Php 4.00.

She said the high cost of raw materials is causing the rise in the prices of goods.

“Kunware dun sa processed milk ay tumaas po yung ingredient nila na buttermilk, skimmed milk powder, [and] palm oil ay tumaas po siya. Kaya yung pag produce nila ay nag-iiba yung cost structure tapos ifa-factor in pa natin sa ibang cost such as logistics and even packaging na tumataas din po,” she explained.

Cabochan assured that DTI is limiting the price adjustment and if there are price changes, it ensures that it is only minimal.

She added that they are requesting manufacturers to stabilize the prices of basic goods.