SAN JOSE, Antique – The “slight” increase in the prices of basic commodities in the province is not solely due to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Glen Fernando of DTI-Antique said the increase may be due to the adjustment of raw material of fuel prices.
The increase was reflected in the new suggested retail prices (SRPs) disseminated among retailers in Antique.
The increase affected about eight items, Fernando said on Friday.
“Among the items that had slight price increases are sardines, milk and detergent soap,” he added.
Alaska milk, which had a P54.50 June 8 SRP now has a P56.50 July 1 SRP, Fernado said.
To ensure that business establishments abide with the SRP, DTI-Antique conducts regular monitoring every third Tuesday of the month.
Last month, letters of inquiries were sent to three Antique establishments that allegedly sold processed milk above the DTI-issued SRP.
The establishments – one located in Culasi and two this capital town – said they just followed the SRP the product’s manufacturing company issued.
Upon inquiry with the DTI central office, Fernando said they learned that the company has a pending request for price increase.
The request was not yet approved, he added. (With a report from PNA/PN)
