QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Prices of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs) listed in the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin as of 08 February 2023 remains valid and in force until a new bulletin is published by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI).

"Following the request of some manufacturers for price increase citing various reasons, the DTI continues to study these requests for validation and comparison with international prices,” Tade & Industry Secretary Fred Pascual in a statement said.

And of course, we need to balance the interest of different sectors, we must ensure that Filipino families will have access to affordable BNPCs," Pascual added.

Meanwhile, DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth Castelo said that they carefully review the documents provided by the manufacturers as they have their own study and reliable references on the global prices of raw materials that allows them to determine the reasonableness of the requests.

"The DTI is in constant communication with BNPC manufacturers to ensure reasonable prices and stable supply of commodities," Castelo said.

The DTI, as mandated by Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, as amended, issues the SRP Bulletin of BNPCs under its jurisdiction for the information and guidance of manufacturers, distributors, and consumers.

Consumers are enjoined to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities and prime commodities above their SRPs via One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or email, ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph. (dti/ pia-ncr)