MANILA – Trade and Industry secretary Ramon Lopez confirmed on Sunday that the suggested retail prices for some brands of sardines, noodles, and condiments have been increased.
“‘Yung mga tumaas ang material nila,” Lopez said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
Of the 24 brands of sardines, only around seven brands increased prices, Lopez said. Among these are tamban sardines, he added.
The SRP of eight brands of sardines went up by P0.30 to P1 for local brands, and up to P1.50 for premium brands, according to a later report by Super Radyo dzBB.
The SRP of instant noodles also went up, ranging from P.20 to P.45 depending on the brand.
Some brands of condiments, such as patis (fish sauce), toyo (soy sauce), and suka (vinegar), meanwhile, also had an increase of P0.85 in their SRPs.
The SRP of candles meanwhile, will increase by at least P2.50 up to P11 depending on the brand.
Lopez said the DTI is monitoring 250 stock keeping units (SKUs) of certain grocery items.
The Trade secretary said the DTI has released a list of SRPs to guide consumers in making choices.
“Kapag nakita niyo ang isang brand ng produkto na parang mahal na para sa iyo, piliin mo ‘yung mas mura duon na maganda rin ang quality,” Lopez.
“‘Yung mga manufacturer ng mga brand na ito (sardinas, noodles at condiments) takot din magtaas ng presyo dahil alam nila na pwedeng lumipat ang mga suki nila eh,” Lopez.
Last month, manufacturers of canned sardines asked the government to set a suggested retail price on tamban to help moderate the prices of canned sardines amid the ongoing fishing season.
The new SRP will take effect seven to 15 days after publication in newspapers. (GMA News)
