Prices of basic goods unchanged

MANILA, Philippines - Prices of basic commodities remain unchanged from their holiday levels, except for a decline in the price of carrots, according to the government’s latest price monitoring report.

The Trade Department’s price monitoring report as of Jan. 4 showed prices of basic goods are at the same levels as the previous week.

Canned sardines are selling between P12.25 to P13 per 155-gram can, the same as last week’s.

The price of processed milk likewise remained at P46.50 per 300-milliliter can.

Instant noodles are still being sold at P6.10 and P7.10, for every 50-gram pack and 55-gram pack, respectively.

Bread prices were also kept at last week’s levels with the 400-gram Pinoy Tasty available at P37.50, and the Pinoy Pandesal selling at P22.50 for each pack containing 10 pieces.

Prices of processed and manufactured commodities monitored by the Agriculture Department such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, meat, poultry, fish and vegetables were also maintained, except for carrots which dropped to P30 per kilogram from the previous week’s P40.

The price monitoring chart showed regular milled rice still costs P30 per kg, while refined sugar is still worth P48 per kg.

Cooking oil is also still being sold at P20 per bottle.

Pork liempo is priced at P180 per kg, while fully dressed chicken is available at P130 per kg, and beef brisket costs P200 per kg, the same prices seen in the previous week.

Bangus and tilapia prices were also kept at the previous week’s levels, amounting to P120 per kg and P100 per kg, respectively.

Prices of other vegetables were also steady, with ampalaya still selling at P50 per kg, cabbage at P40 per kg, tomato at P30 per kg and eggplant at P40 per kg.

Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said in a text message over the weekend that no sharp movements are seen in the prices of processed goods.

“We see prices of processed goods to remain stable,” she said, noting that the prices of raw material inputs are seen to remain at current levels.

“(The) strong peso is also helping to keep costs of imported components low,” she added.

The local currency closed at P40.91 to a dollar on Friday, losing 14 centavos from Thursday’s finish of 40.77.