DTI representatives inspect supermarkets within Metro Manila to check suggested retail price (SRP) compliance amid rising inflation. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reveals the comparative analysis of the actual prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) of June 18-22, 2018 and November 2017.

The said analysis covered 600 stores and outlets in the National Capital Region, with 500 more from across the country, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

“So far, we can say that the prices of BNPCs in the market are steady as of now, since only 35 products showed increase in SRP while only 22 have actual price increase,” the trade chief said on the analysis of prices.

Among the basic necessities identified by the DTI, only 10 brands out of 98 monitored have actual price increase. These included six brands of candles, two canned sardines, one processed canned milk and one brand of coffee refill, with the actual price increase ranging from 0.2 to 17 percent. A brand of milk and detergent, and three brands of candles showed price decrease from seven months ago.

DTI stats also showed that among all 110 listed basic necessities with suggested retail prices (SRP), three brands of canned sardines in tomato sauce and five candle brands have increased their SRP in a seven month period, while one brand of processed milk rolled back the price.

Meanwhile, the trade department also monitored 41 out of 44 brands listed as prime commodities, with 10 canned meat brands showing an actual price increase. A condiment and a toilet soap product also displayed price increase, while two condiments and one canned meat brand showed a rollback in their actual price.

Twenty seven brands out of 44 listed prime commodities showed an increase in SRP in June as compared to November last year, while one brand of canned meat decreased the SRP.