A SUPERMARKETS association warned of a possible hike in prices of Noche Buena products sold in grocery stores less than a week before Christmas Day.
According to a report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, Dec. 20, the group explained they may increase the prices of the food items after they sell out their current stocks and are forced to buy from other manufacturers apart from their regular suppliers.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded consumers that the government could not regulate the prices of Noche Buena products even as these are being monitored.
Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said it is because these are neither basic or prime commodities.
The DTI is being informed, however, if stores and retailers overprice these products.
“Stable naman siya (price). Marami tayong supply na price guide earlier this month. Ito ang price guide, presyo ng mga produkto na nakikita nila sa retail,” said Castelo during a televised briefing.
“‘Yung noche buena price guide, that is not regulated by government kasi seasonal products ito. They are neither basic nor prime. So ang presyo ay manufacturers ang nagde-decide,” she added. “Pero naka-monitor kami na kapag may tumaas na presyo compared sa new prices sa prevailing price, doon kami naa-alert agad.”
Castelo’s statement came after her agency asserted that P500 will be enough for a family to have the Christmas eve feast despite consumers stating otherwise. (With reports from ABS-CBN News/GMA Integrated News)/PN
