Stable prices, sufficient supply of goods assured for holidays

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) yesterday assured the public of stable prices and sufficient supply of basic goods and items for the traditional noche buena in supermarkets for the holiday season.

In a statement, Trade Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba said results of the price monitoring activity conducted by the department showed that most stores are compliant with the Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) set for basic and prime goods as well as Noche Buena products.

Supply of goods in the market is also abundant despite the threat of tight supply due to port congestion.

“With the positive results of our price monitoring, consumers are appeased that they will not encounter any problem with their grocery shopping for the holidays,” Dimagiba said.

In preparation for the holiday season, the DTI intensified its monitoring efforts beginning October.

Out of the 124 supermarkets and groceries located in Metro Manila monitored by the DTI, 98 establishments were found compliant with the SRPs, while 26 were issued with show cause orders for selling goods at higher prices.

Of the 26 stores issued with show cause orders, 13 have complied with the SRPs.

The remaining 13 that have yet to comply are: CVC (Caloocan), Metro Gaisano (Mandaluyong), Wellcome Supermarket Metro Point Mall (Pasay), All Day Supermart (Mandaluyong), Ever Supermarket (Malabon), Rustan’s Supermarket Gateway (Quezon City), Super 8 Agora (San Juan), All Nation’s Food City Supermarket (Las Piñas), Puregold Cubao (QC), Ever Supermarket (Navotas), Ever Supermarket (Valenzuela), Super 8 Grocery Warehouse (Caloocan) and Super 8 (Baclaran).

Dimagiba said retailers are advised to sell goods within the SRPs.

Consumers, meanwhile, are encouraged to check the SRPs before making purchases.