Various local manufacturers have proposed price increases for 48 products, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo revealed on Wednesday.
Thirteen manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities have submitted their applications requesting price hikes on various goods.
Among these products are canned sardines, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and powdered milk. Coffee, instant noodles, bottled water, canned meat, and toilet soap are also included in the list.
"Ang hinihingi po nilang range ng increases [ay] nasa from 10 centavos hanggang 7 pesos, or 1.50 hanggang 9.75 po sa non-food," Castelo stated during the Laging Handa press briefing.
She explained that the main reason behind these requests is the rising cost of imported raw materials.
"Ang kino-consider talaga natin na dahilan ng mga manufacturer sa pag-increase ng presyo ay 'yung cost ng raw materials na kapag minsan po ay imported pa 'to," said the DTI official.
She assured the public that they rigorously verify the manufacturers' reasons for these proposed increases.
"Hindi po namin basta tinatanggap 'yung bigay sa atin na information ng manufacturers. Meron po tayong sariling mekanismo para po ma-verify natin 'yan," Castro pointed out.
"Pati po 'yung pag-increase ng packaging materials at 'yung transportation cost nila at 'yung kanyang acquisition cost po for toll tracking," she added.
Castelo also assured that they are closely monitoring price movements of goods to ensure that sellers are not taking advantage of the situation.
Meanwhile, as the school reopening approaches on August 29, she confirmed that prices for some school supplies have already gone up.
Castelo said they continue to closely monitor price movements to prevent unfair practices by sellers.
