DTI freezes basic goods prices to year-end

The Department of Trade and Industry has obtained a commitment from manufacturers and retailers that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities it monitors will not increase until Dec. 31, 2026. Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque said the agreement covers items classified as basic necessities and prime commodities, ensuring that consumers will face stable prices on these goods until Dec. 31, 2026.

Roque specified that, for basic necessities and prime commodities that form part of 204 stock keeping units under monitoring, there will be no price increase through the end of 2026. Another account from the department cites that the commitment spans over 200 SKUs, reflecting the broad scope of the freeze across everyday consumer products. The DTI regulates the prices of these SKUs to deter hoarding or price manipulation in the market.

Products classified as basic necessities include canned sardines, three‑in‑one coffee, bread, instant noodles, bottled water, salt, detergent soap, and candles. Prime commodities include luncheon meat, meat loaf, corned beef, condiments, toilet soap, and batteries. Other controlled items listed by the DTI include canned goods, milk, laundry soap, and condiments, as well as sanitary products such as bottled water containers.

Roque said consumers may find the list of included products in supermarkets and groceries, as well as on the DTI website and social media pages. The department has highlighted that coordination with manufacturers of these BNPC products is strong, which it credits for securing their commitment to keep prices stable despite elevated costs.

While the freeze applies to BNPC products, Roque clarified that items included in the Noche Buena price guide are not yet covered by the current commitment. These products, typically served during the Christmas feast, will be the subject of separate discussions with manufacturers. Roque described Noche Buena goods as a different discussion and said she could not commit on their pricing until after these talks.

The DTI also linked the price assurance to upcoming holidays such as Undas, or All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Roque said products commonly purchased for these observances, such as candles, will not see any price increases under the present commitment. The department has indicated it will announce after Dec. 31 whether prices of covered goods might change beyond year-end.

Despite concerns over a strong El Niño and broader cost pressures from volatile energy prices, inflation, and a weak peso, the DTI has stated that supplies of basic goods and prime commodities remain sufficient to meet demand. Roque said manufacturers and retailers of basic goods are adequately supplied until year’s end.

The department has previously observed that some consumers resorted to panic‑buying and hoarding of bottled water amid these developments. In response, the DTI said it would coordinate closely with manufacturers and distributors to ensure a steady supply of bottled water in the market and intensify price monitoring efforts. It also committed to closely monitor and address complaints regarding overpricing of water containers, plastic drums, and related products.

The DTI has urged businesses and vendors to act responsibly and avoid unjustified price increases on regulated products. The agency warned that it will not hesitate to impose appropriate fines, penalties, and other actions against firms found violating relevant laws and regulations. These enforcement steps are intended to support the no‑price‑increase commitment and protect consumers during the covered period.

As part of its broader response to challenges such as El Niño, the DTI noted that the public may continue to access loan programs from its Small Business Corporation. The department plans to continue meeting with manufacturers and retailers throughout the year to review market conditions and supply levels. By the end of the year, Roque said the DTI would provide another announcement on the status of prices for basic necessities and prime commodities.