The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has secured a voluntary commitment from manufacturers and retailers to keep prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) unchanged until April 16, offering temporary relief to Filipino households amid global uncertainties.
The assurance followed a March 28 meeting between the DTI and key industry players, who agreed to defer price increases despite mounting cost pressures linked to tensions in the Middle East. Instead, companies said they would absorb higher logistics and inventory expenses to maintain stable retail prices.
Backing the initiative are major food and consumer goods producers, including Alaska Milk Corporation, Century Pacific Food Inc., Monde Nissin, Nestlé Philippines, Procter & Gamble Philippines, San Miguel Foods, Unilever Philippines, and Universal Robina Corporation. Leading retailers—Robinsons Retail Holdings, SM Markets, Metro Retail Stores Group, and members of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA)—also signified support.
The DTI said it will continue engaging industry stakeholders and keep the public informed of developments.
While no formal price freeze has been declared, the agency has intensified nationwide monitoring in line with Executive Order No. 110. It currently tracks 726 BNPC product variants, including 196 stock keeping units (SKUs) with suggested retail prices (SRPs), covering essentials such as canned goods, milk, coffee, instant noodles, soap, and bread.
Consumer protection teams have been placed on heightened alert to ensure compliance. The DTI warned that profiteering—defined as unjustified price increases exceeding 10 percent—as well as hoarding, will be met with administrative sanctions and possible imprisonment.
The agency said the arrangement seeks to balance consumer protection with the operational realities facing manufacturers.
