Thirteen manufactures of 43 of 217 stock keeping units (SKUs) of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) being monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) plan to increase their prices by P0.10 to P9.75 or 1 to 10 percent.
DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo told the Laging Handa public briefing yesterday these include canned sardines, condensed and evaporated, powdered milk, coffee, instant noodles, canned meat and toilet soaps.
Castelo said for food items, the range of increases being sought is
P0.10 to P7.27 or 1 to 5 percent. For non-food, the range is P1.50 to P9.75 or 6 to 10 percent.
Castelo said the manufacturers cited higher costs of raw materials, some of which are imported as well packaging materials and logistics.
These include tamban for sardines; flour for instant noodles; mechanically-deboned meat for canned meats and; skim milk for processed milk.
Castelo said the DTI is verifying these claims.
Meanwhile, Castelo also advised consumers to buy school supplies from established stores and not from ambulant vendors to ensure they are buying quality products within the guide prices released by DTI.
