Some grocery items are set to become more expensive by mid-April, though both government and industry officials are downplaying the scale of the coming adjustments.
Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association president Steven Cua confirmed that certain manufacturers plan to raise prices starting April 17, while stressing that consumers have no reason to be alarmed. The expected increments, he said, would be “insignificant.”
Cua noted that not every product on store shelves will be affected — only some manufacturers have signaled their intention to adjust pricing. He added that suppliers would move carefully to avoid alienating buyers, particularly those already burdened by high costs that predated the current oil crisis.
DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque gave a similar assurance, telling the public that no price hikes on basic necessities and prime commodities would take effect before April 16. “There is no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities until April 16. [After that] definitely we can expect some price increase but not for all,” she said.
Aldeguer-Roque also indicated that talks with manufacturers had produced commitments from some suppliers to hold their prices through the end of the month. “Nag-usap kami ng manufacturers and yung ibang basic necessities and prime commodities wala po silang price increase up to the end of April,” she said.
The DTI chief said she would brief the public on the specifics of any anticipated increases before April 16.
