SEVERAL manufacturers sought a P5 price increase on canned goods and hygiene products.
The Philippine Amalgamated Supermarket Association said there was an expected price increase in personal hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioners, and bath soaps.
Manufacturers of candles and batteries have also submitted notices to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
They were asking for a price increase in the different products from P0.40 to P5.60.
“Meron as high as 20 percent na request. Inaaral para masigurado natin kasi we limit talaga the increases to at least 10 percent lang. Kung pwede doon na lang sila sa kanilang premium brands o ‘wag na dito sa mga pinakamura,” DTI undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.
Manufacturers said the price increase was due to the high prices of raw materials.
“Most of our raw materials are imported, we really need to develop the industries or our industries to produce the raw materials needed,” Steven Cua, Philippine Amalgamated Supermarket Association president, said.
“‘Pag marami kang binili malaking bagay din ‘yon, hindi ka makakatipid,” consumer Olivia Bobier said.
The prices of bread had also increased in some bakeries such as in Sariaya, Quezon where there is a price increase of P1 to P2.
An egg pie slice costs P38 in a bakery in Quezon City, which is equivalent to one kilo of rice.
“Siguro babawasan na lang ng isang piraso. Halimbawa ngayon dalawa, sa susunod isa na lang para makatipid,” delivery rider Dandy Abella said.
According to a group of bakers, the prices of cakes and pastries would also increase.
“Sugar and egg ‘yan ang numero uno ingredient, exact science ‘yan eh. Pagcinompute mo na ang egg is 300 grams, ang sugar is 300 grams. ‘Pag binago mo ‘yan ng konti may problema ang cake natin,” Panaderong Pilipino president Chito Chavez said.
“Sana makagawa ang pamahalaan ng isang paraan para ‘yung katulad namin sa industriya ng tinapay makabili ng murang itlog,” he added. (GMA Integrated News)
