The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) revealed that the prices of some Noche Buena goods have already spiked three months before Christmas.
“Na-observe na nga natin this week na tumaas na ‘yung presyo ng ibang produkto like ham, mayonnaise, pasta. Medyo tumaas na sila ng presyo,” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said during a public briefing.
Around 20 manufacturers have already informed the DTI that they already increased the price of their goods.
Castelo added that the DTI told manufacturers that the price increase should not exceed 10% of the original price so customers can still afford the items.
She also advised the public not to buy Christmas lights that weren’t screened by DTI.
Christmas lights should cost around P300 to P400. Products that are only P50 to P100 might be substandard, the DTI said.
— Ronald Espartinez