Philippines: DTI OKs price increase in soap, canned sardines, and powdered milk

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has approved the increase in prices of soap, canned sardines, and powdered milk. The price of toilet or bath soap is seen to increase by P1 to P4; canned sardines by P2 to P3.59; and powdered milk by P3.5 to P6, according to Bernadette Reyes’ report on Balitanghali on Thursday. Aside from the said products, the DTI is also studying the proposal of some manufacturers to increase the prices of bottled water, instant noodles, bread, and other canned products including corned beef and meat loaf, as well as candles and batteries. Under the proposal, milk will increase by P3.50 to P6.00; bread by P2.00 to P2.50; instant noodles by P0.30 to P1.75; bottled water by P1.00 to P6.00; processed canned meat by P6.00 to P33.00; condiments by P0.60 to P0.65; candle by P6.00 to P30.00; and battery by up to P10.00. The price hikes for basic commodities were already anticipated earlier in the year. The DTI said manufacturers have petitioned for price ...