DTI asked to stop rise in prices of baking materials

The Philippine Federation of Bakers Associations Inc. (PFBAI) is asking the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help stop the increase in prices of baking ingredients which may eventually lead to higher pan de sal prices.

In a meeting with Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr., PFBAI complained that the continued increases in the prices of baking ingredients has come to a point where adjustments in the prices of bakery products is necessary to keep up with production costs.

Among the baking ingredients that have registered price increases are flour, shortening and yeast.

The group also said that LPG and diesel prices have also increased.

All purpose flour price has increased to P650 in May this year from April’s P595 per bag.

A 50-kilo tank of LPG in May cost P1,507 from only P1,387 in March and P1,437 in April.

Bensdorp Cocoa now cost P9,350 per bag from P8,500 in March. Blue Cow condensed milk is now P1,105 per box this year from P1,104.96 last year.

PFBAI president Leonardo Figueroa said that although they are trying to keep the prices of pan de sal at P1 per 25 grams, adjustments in standard weight and price may have to be made if the price increase of primary ingredients continues.

PFBAI has some 5,000 members nationwide.