DTI allows increase in prices of some goods

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has allowed increases as high as P2.25 in the prices of some goods under the new suggested retail price (SRP) list.

Among the goods with SRP adjustments are canned sardines, which increased by P0.50 to P0.75.

For condensed milk, the SRP went up by P0.50 to P1.25, while the SRP for powdered milk went up by P0.50 to P1.35.

The SRP for coffee refill was hiked by P0.60, while for three-in-one coffee, the increase was at P0.50.

SRP for instant noodles increased by P0.25, and for iodized salt by P1.40 to P2.25.

As for detergent, the SRP went up by P1.

Also with SRP increase is canned meat at P0.75 to P2, and vinegar for up to P0.50.

Meanwhile, the SRPs for bread, bottled water, candles, toilet soap and battery were mostly unchanged.

Laban Konsyumer Inc. president Victorio Mario Dimagiba said in a statement yesterday the SRP increases are ill-timed.

“The timing is so bad because there is still the threat of the pandemic, especially with the Delta variant that has already come into the country,” he said, adding the adjustments are worrisome for many households.

The DTI provides an SRP list for basic and prime commodities covering canned and food products, bottled water, common household or kitchen supplies to serve as a guide for consumers and retailers.

Prior to the release of the new SRP list, the DTI said it has not allowed any SRP adjustments since September 2019, given the ongoing pandemic.