MANILA – The P8-suggested retail price (SRP) for surgical face masks may increase to P10 to P12 per piece due to rising costs of raw materials, Trade secretary Ramon Lopez said Friday.
Prices of raw materials for face masks have increased, and costs of surgical face masks abroad have also spiked by P10, Lopez said.
Local suppliers were still keeping prices at P8 as of Feb. 7.
A surge in demand for surgical and N95 masks was observed following the Taal Volcano eruption and the global outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus.
“Yes, the suggested retail price may increase. I won’t say double for now as we are still getting various costings,” Lopez said.
Any changes in the prices, however, will be consulted with the Department of Health.
Stores caught overpricing and profiteering may face fines of up to P300,000 Lopez earlier said. Complaints can be filed at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau. (ABS-CBN News)
