Prices of about 204 essential goods to stay unchanged until end-2026
Manufacturers and retailers have agreed to maintain prices through December 31, according to Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on October 23 that an agreement with manufacturers and retailers would keep prices unchanged for about 204 products classified as basic necessities and prime commodities until December 31, 2026.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told GMA Super Radyo DZBB that the commitment covered products monitored by the department. She said the private sector had agreed not to raise their prices during that period.
The department sets suggested retail prices for necessities including bread, canned sardines, instant noodles, milk, coffee, salt and bottled water. Its coverage also includes candles, laundry soap and detergent, alongside prime commodities such as batteries, toilet soap, condiments, luncheon meat, corned beef, meat loaf and beef loaf.
Roque also rejected rumours that concerns over El Niño had prompted panic buying of bottled water. She cited a recent visit to a plant producing 65,000 bottles per hour, one of the company's 200 plants nationwide.
An advisory on Noche Buena items will follow nearer the holiday season, Roque said, with government coordination with the private sector still under way.
