The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has urged consumers to avoid panic-buying and hoarding, assuring the public that supplies of basic goods remain adequate and prices stable ahead of Christmas and the anticipated Super El Niño.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said manufacturers and retailers have confirmed sufficient stocks of basic necessities and prime commodities, with no requests for price increases received so far.
“There’s no need to hoard, no need to panic. We have enough supply,” Roque said, citing ongoing consultations with industry players.
The assurance comes as concerns mount over the potential impact of Super El Niño on supply chains and prices, particularly with demand expected to surge during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Roque said bottled water supplies are also sufficient, pointing to a manufacturing facility capable of producing 65,000 bottles per hour.
The DTI is monitoring prices of basic necessities and prime commodities in groceries and supermarkets to prevent unwarranted increases and keep consumers informed.
“For now, there is no request for price increase. So the prices are stable,” Roque said.
While consumers may be concerned about possible price adjustments during the holiday season, Roque declined to predict future movements, emphasizing that manufacturers have yet to seek price hikes.
The agency encouraged shoppers to check prevailing suggested retail prices through its official social media channels and price lists displayed in supermarkets.
The DTI said it remains in close coordination with manufacturers and retailers to ensure adequate supplies and stable prices as the country prepares for stronger holiday demand and potential weather-related disruptions.
The agency’s latest assurance aims to ease consumer concerns and discourage unnecessary stockpiling, which could put additional pressure on supplies as the holiday season approaches.
