Report shows prices of flour, salt, soap up

Prices of flour, salt and detergent bars or laundry soap have increased as shown in the weekly price monitoring report of the Department of Trade and Industry.

From the advisory report of the DTI, it was learned that prices of flour have increased by P10, accounting that the prevailing price of hard flour costs P950 (General brands) and P920 (Kutitap) from P940 and P930 last week, respectively.

The price of soft flour also increased to P830 (Mega) from its price last week of P820. But Island, another soft flour brand, decreased its price from P850 last week to P845 currently.

Detergent soaps have also increased by 75 centavos, from P16.50 last week to P17.25 (Mr. Clean, 420 grams), while iodized salt has increased by 50 centavos from P4.30 last week to P4.80 (Fidel, 250g).

Despite the price hikes of basic commodities, the DTI’s advisory report revealed that there has been no increase in the price of “pandesal” (20g). Price remains at P3.

The other loaf breads have increased by P2-P3.50 which cost P30 (410g) now from last week’s P28, and P40 (500g) from P36.50.

Knowing that the price hikes would result in resentment from bakery owners, the government agency is also calling on bakers and loaf bread owners for a meeting, and would be asking them to bear with the situation in spite of the hikes.

According to reports, some bakery owners have resolved the issue by decreasing the size of their bread without increasing its price. Some reportedly become upset when consumers complain.

The conference is not scheduled yet, according to Zaide Bation of the DTI.  – Cressida Paula G. Delmo/MEEV