Grocery items like canned sardines, a staple item in calamity relief packs, may no longer be that affordable even for low-income households. (File photo by Grig C. Montegrande / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released on Wednesday its latest Suggested Retail Price (SRP) bulletin, which recommended increases in the prices of bread, canned goods, instant noodles, milk, and other basic goods.
The price of a 450-gram loaf of Pinoy Tasty went up from P38.50 to P40.50, a difference of P2, while a 10-piece pack of Pinoy Pandesal will now cost P25, up by P1.50 from the previous P23.50.
Price hikes ranging from P1 to P1.50 were also recommended for six sardine brands listed in the DTI’s SRP bulletin, with the cheapest now costing P13.25 and the most expensive one at P19.58.
Noodles, milk
One of four 55-gram noodle brands in the DTI list also saw a price increase of 50 centavos, putting its price at P8.75 from the previous P8.25.
For powdered milk, a popular brand weighing 300 grams now sells for P95.25 from the previous P93, up by P2.25. As for a 300-gram can of condensed milk, the DTI’s recommended increase for one brand was P41, up by P39.25. A brand of a 300-gram can of evaporated milk, on the other hand, now costs P41 from the previous P37.40, or a P3.60 increase. For a 370-gram can, a price hike of P2.51 was recommended, putting the price for one particular brand at P28.50, from the previous P25.99.
For coffee, two brands which come in packs of 28 grams and 20 grams also saw their prices rise by P1 and 45 centavos, respectively.
Laundry soap, candles
Varying increases were also approved for some non-food items, including laundry and detergent soaps, candles and batteries.
“Almost all price increases (are) 10 percent or less, except candles. The prices of candles did not increase in five years and their prices are still lower compared to others,” Trade Undersecretary Carol Sanchez said in a message when asked to comment on the SRP bulletin.
“Most food items increased their prices by only 50 centavos to P2, but some canned goods had more than P2,” she added.
While vendors face no sanctions for noncompliance with the SRP, the DTI can send them notices and demand an explanation.