DTI OKs price increase in soap, canned sardines, and powdered milk

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has approved the increase in prices of soap, canned sardines, and powdered milk.

The price of toilet or bath soap is seen to increase by P1 to P4; canned sardines by P2 to P3.59; and powdered milk by P3.5 to P6, according to Bernadette Reyes’ report on Balitanghali on Thursday.

Aside from the said products, the DTI is also studying the proposal of some manufacturers to increase the prices of bottled water, instant noodles, bread, and other canned products including corned beef and meat loaf, as well as candles and batteries.

Under the proposal, milk will increase by P3.50 to P6.00; bread by P2.00 to P2.50; instant noodles by P0.30 to P1.75; bottled water by P1.00 to P6.00; processed canned meat by P6.00 to P33.00; condiments by P0.60 to P0.65; candle by P6.00 to P30.00; and battery by up to P10.00.

The price hikes for basic commodities were already anticipated earlier in the year.

The DTI said manufacturers have petitioned for price increases as early as 2022 but were just asked to defer the implementation.

The DTI publishes the price adjustments through “e-Presyo.”

'Pinoy Sardines'

Meanwhile, DTI and canned sardine manufacturers are studying the possibility of launching "low-budget" canned sardines or "pinoy sardines" as a cheaper alternative in the market.

"Isa yan sa mga proposal natin para magkaroon pa rin tayo ng standardized, de kalidad pero abot-kaya na presyo na produkto. Sa kasalukuyan meron yan sa tinapay kaya meron tayong pinoy tasty at pinoy pandesal," DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles said.

Meanwhile, the Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines (CSAP) said it is looking for ways to lower production costs for the planned "pinoy sardines."

"We may be looking for new sources of tomato paste, which are imported or work on some importation privileges, para bumaba yung cost. We also want to work on yung aming flavoring, items from agricultural products like carrots, pepper, etc.," said CSAP Executive Director Bombit Buencamino. 

"We need to discuss this matter with DTI. I sent them already a draft of our MOA (memorandum of understanding) of what they need to do, what we will do, and how we will approach the market.," added Buencamino.

 —VAL, GMA Integrated News