Sardine makers seek DTI Ok to hike prices

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is evaluating requests made by manufacturers of sardines and noodles to raise prices.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters yesterday that some manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) such as sardines and noodles have made requests to hike prices.

“We are still reviewing (the requests),” she said.

The price increase being requested is below 10 percent of the current price.

She said sardines manufacturers cited logistics costs as the reason for the request.

“You have to understand that when they go to the sea, their vessels use fuel. And then when they go to the shore to move their products to the manufacturing plant, they also need fuel,” she said.

Fuel and logistics costs have increased amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Earlier, the DTI secured the commitment of manufacturers of BNPCs to hold off price increases until May 10.

BNPCs under the DTI’s jurisdiction include canned sardines, processed milk, bread, coffee, locally-manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, laundry soap, candles, salt, canned meat, condiments and toilet soap.

With the new school year set to start in June, Roque said the DTI would also be coming up with a price guide for school supplies.

She said there has been no request received by the DTI so far for price hikes from manufacturers of school supplies.

“We hope that they will maintain (prices),” she said.

She said the DTI is appealing to manufacturers to keep prices steady in order to help consumers amid rising costs.