The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said there is no automatic price freeze on basic goods despite the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency.
In a statement, the DTI clarified that the declaration of the national energy efficiency under Executive Order 110 does not provide for automatic nationwide price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).
Rather, DTI said EO 110 is a strategic measure specifically designed to address potential disruptions in the global oil supply chain. It activates the UPLIFT (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport) Program, which provides targeted subsidies to the transport and agriculture sectors.
By stabilizing the cost of moving goods, the DTI explained, the government is proactively preventing the very inflationary pressures that would otherwise necessitate a price freeze.
As such, DTI said price freeze on BNPCs as provided under the Price Act is not in effect.
Moreover, the DTI announced that the supply and prices of BNPCs remain stable nationwide.
In recent consultations with the DTI, 21 major manufacturers of essential goods—including canned sardines, bread, bottled water, instant noodles, and coffee—have
formally pledged to maintain their current prices for the next 30 to 60 days.
This industry-wide cooperation ensures that prices remain fair without the need for mandatory government intervention.
Inventory levels
Our latest monitoring shows that inventory levels for basic necessities remain
sufficient. There is no shortage of supply that would justify artificial price spikes.
Monitoring
While a formal “freeze” is not in place, the DTI’s consumer protection teams are on heightened alert. “We continue to check compliance with the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) bulletin and monitor BNPCs without SRP.
Any retailer found engaging in profiteering (raising prices by more than 10 percent without justification) or hoarding will face the full force of the law, including administrative fines and potential imprisonment,” the DTI added.
The DTI emphasized the need to balance the interests of consumers with the economic realities of local manufacturers.
