DTI: No price hikes on basic necessities until Dec. 31

MANILA, Philippines — As Filipino consumers prepare for Undas and the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said prices of 190 monitored basic necessities and prime commodities will not increase until Dec. 31, 2026, assuring the public that supplies of the listed products remain sufficient nationwide.

In a statement on Monday, Oct. 26, the DTI said the commitment covers only the essential food and non-food items included in its official Suggested Retail Price (SRP) bulletin. The list identifies 190 stock-keeping units (SKUs) or products that serve as a reference for retailers and consumers.

The DTI’s list includes products expected to see higher demand ahead of Undas and the Christmas and New Year holidays, including candles for cemetery visits and grocery staples commonly bought for holiday preparations and gatherings.

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Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the commitment came amid public concerns about El Niño’s possible effects on the prices and availability of essential goods.

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“There will be no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities under DTI’s supervision until Dec. 31, 2026,” said Roque.

“We assure the public that manufacturers and retailers have guaranteed enough supply for these listed products. There is no need for panic buying or hoarding,” she added.

The agency said it continues to coordinate with manufacturers and retailers to monitor inventories, ensure continued deliveries and keep the covered products accessible at stable prices in grocery stores and supermarkets nationwide.

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To help consumers identify covered products, the DTI said the official SRP bulletin is available through in-store postings in supermarkets and groceries nationwide, as well as on the department’s website and social media channels.

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The bulletin, effective May 11, 2026, specifies products by brand and size or packaging, with suggested retail prices applying nationwide and to supermarkets and wet markets unless otherwise stated. /cb