Trade Secretary Cristina Roque on Thursday said that no manufacturers have requested price increases for basic necessities and prime commodities, assuring consumers of stable pricing despite the ongoing Super El Niño.
Speaking during an interview at the grand opening of United Parcel Service (UPS) in Clark, Pampanga, Roque said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) maintains close coordination with manufacturers, producers, and supermarket operators to monitor inventory levels and market costs.
“They assured us that there is enough supply, so there is no need to panic and there is no need to hoard. We have enough supply of basic necessities and prime commodities and also bottled water,” Roque said.
Her statement follows reports of consumers stocking up on and hoarding essential goods, particularly bottled water, in preparation for dry conditions expected to intensify in the latter months of the year through February next year, with impacts potentially extending into the first half of 2027.
Roque also said that the prices and supply of buckets are not included in the list of products monitored by DTI.