Iloilo city: The Department of Trade and Industry in Western Visayas (DTI-6) assured the public that prices of candles and bottled waters are stable and supplies are adequate to meet the demand of consumers during the Undas period. OIC-Regional Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo, in a press conference on Thursday, said they are focusing on the two commodities that are highly in demand during Undas.
According to Philippines News Agency, DTI monitors two candle brands with 37 stock-keeping units (SKUs) and 10 bottled water brands with 34 SKUs in 205 stores region-wide, including Negros Occidental. “Our monitoring reveals that both candles and bottled water remain stable with no reported price increases,” Tamayo stated. She elaborated that the prevailing price of household candles ranges from PHP47 to PHP69 per pack of 20, while vigil candles are sold between PHP69 and PHP99 per piece.
The report further indicated that the price of bottled water in supermarkets showed a stable to slightly declining trend, with an average movement of less than 2 percent. Prices of bottled water in grocery stores also remain stable. “The price levels are consistent with the previous monitoring reports and the SRP (suggested retail price) of the DTI,” Tamayo mentioned.
No incidents of hoarding, overpricing, or stock shortage have been recorded, Tamayo confirmed. She urged consumers to purchase properly labeled products and be vigilant by reporting overpricing and unfair trade practices.
