DTI closely monitor prices of basic commodities

San Jose, Antique (7 October) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the province is regularly monitoring the prices of basic and prime commodities in compliance with the national declaration of the state of calamity due to typhoon Ondoy and Peping that hit the country.

Jose Divinagracia, Provincial Director of DTI in an interview emphasized that storeowners should comply with the order (in which copies were already sent to them) of not increasing the prices of basic and prime commodities especially now that the country is slowly recovering from the devastation.

Inspite the fact that we are not directly hit by the typhoon, control in prices of goods can help avoid panic buying particularly those who fear that commodities will be out of stock and also to avoid pulling out stocks from other regions if the prices are high especially in calamity affected areas. Prices will be based on the prevailing price per municipality, said the source.

Price control will also ensure that traders will not take advantage of the situation where affected families are in dire need of such commodities.

Meanwhile, DTI also is reminding the public to be careful in buying Christmas lights and electrical devices for Christmas. They should always see to it that it pass the product standards set by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS). For imported products it should have the seal/sticker bearing the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark and for locally produce devices it should have the PS mark.

Divinagracia said that they have already sent notices to storeowners to order products only which pass the standards of BPS or else products who failed to comply with this directive will be confiscated and store owners will be subjected to corresponding charges and penalties.

DTI encouraged the consumers to be vigilant with their rights and obligations to ensure they will not be taken advantage of by unscrupulous traders. They can report to DTI or any other agencies in cases where they are not satisfied with the products and services. (PSM/PIA) [