Yt Framework

Price control on basic commodities automatically takes effect in areas declared under state of calamity and traders are warned against taking undue advantage of the situation, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said.

“As soon as state of calamity is declared, price control takes effect. So, I advise traders and retailers not to take undue advantage of the situation. Supermarkets and grocery stores have remained open,” Domingo said stressing they are closely monitoring prices and availability of supplies of basic goods and prime commodities.

So far, Domingo said, prices and supply still remained stable except for the considerable increases in fresh water fish such as "bangus" and "tilapia" as incessant rains continued to pound the National Capital Region for a week now with heavy downpour.

Domingo, however, expects some disruptions in supply because of the difficulty in the delivery of goods as some areas are still under water. Domingo also plans to convene the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC).

Based on the latest (July 30-August 3) DTI Price Monitoring, price of bangus (milk fish) has gone up to P120 per kilo from only P100 in the same period last year while the price of tilapia has gone up to P100 from P80 and of alumahan from P120 per kilo to P140.

DTI Undersecretary for consumer welfare Zenaida C. Maglaya said the DTI was coordinating with the Department of Agriculture on the prices of agricultural products.

Prices of refined sugar also went up to P50 a kilo from P46 a year ago while the washed sugar also raised prices from P42 to P44. The brown sugar has remained unchanged at P40.

Vegetable prices are also going up with carrots now selling at P60 a kilo from P20 a week ago. White potato also increased prices to P50 a kilo from only P35 a year ago while eggplant has adjusted prices to P40 from P30. Okra also rose P5 per kilo to P35 from P30 while kangkong leaves to P40 from P30.

Maglaya reported that they received reports Sunday from Camiguin and Laguna provinces indicating they have stable prices and supplies.

Manufactured and processed prime goods have remained stable with prices still within their suggested retail price levels.

By PNA