DTI & DOE: No overpricing of goods, fuel in major stores

CEBU, Philippines - Amid reports of overpricing of basic commodities and fuel in Northern Cebu, both the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Energy (DOE) said that prices remain the same in large-scale stores and gasoline stations in the province.

DTI-Cebu Provincial Director Nelia Navarro said that based on their continuous monitoring since Saturday, major stores in Cebu offer the right amount of prices for basic commodities.

Navarro clarified that only five basic commodities were put under the price freeze, namely; canned sardines, coffee, milk (condensed, processed, evaporated), detergent or laundry soap and pandesal.

“Mao ra na ang among gi-monitor nga presyo ubos sa DTI, kanang gasolina ug uban pa sama sa kamatis ug buwad, wa na masakop sa among mando,” said Navarro dispelling criticisms on their failure to monitor prices of other goods.

She added that it could be that small stores like sari-sari stores are the ones increasing their prices, which is normally higher than those sold in large-scale stores.

DOE-7 regional director Antonio Labios, for his part, said there are no cases of overpricing of fuel for major gasoline stations in Cebu.

Labios said that gasoline stations and oil companies have contracts to abide which means they cannot just increase prices of its products.

“Pero naa man gyud mga opportunistic individuals hilabi na panahon sa kalamidad nga mag overpriced sa presyo sa lana labi na kanang isulod lang sa botelya,” said Labios, who stressed DOE’s order against selling fuel in bottles that poses danger to both the entrepreneurs and the consumers. 

He added that local government units can run after those stores selling fuel in a bottle and can order for their closure.

“Ang problema lang gud kay ang mga tawo bisan mahal mapugos og palit kay wala may lain. Mao ni ang law on supply and demand,” said Labios.

Both Navarro and Labios urged consumers to buy only in department or grocery stores and gasoline stations where prices of goods and fuel, respectively, are aligned to their suggested retail prices. — (FREEMAN)