DTI warns traders vs goods overpricing

By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu

Monday 9th of July 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 9 (PIA) –- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Pampanga warned traders against overpricing of goods and commodities deemed essential during calamities.

The warning stemmed from complaints of consumers, who alleged that a number of storeowners were selling goods higher than the suggested retail price (SRP) by the DTI.

Nathaniel Samson, senior DTI specialist, said additional manpower monitored and visited supermarkets, public markets, and hardware stores in the province to check the accuracy of the complaints.

“As of now, none of these reports have been proven. But we will not stop monitoring the situation,” he said.

Samson added that sales monitoring is a year-round activity of the DTI but they are intensifying it this season to ensure that no unscrupulous entrepreneurs will take advantage of calamities to increase prices of products beyond the mandated price ceiling.

“We assure our consumers that this rainy season, we will be more aggressive and strict in watching our traders for possible overpricing especially with basic goods like sugar, coffee, canned goods, noodles,” he said.

Samson also reminded traders and store owners that they cannot increase prices of goods without approval of DTI and any price hike should be in accordance with the Price Act of 1992 and Consumer Act of the Philippines.

Violators will be fined and more infraction will result to the revocation of their business permits, he added. (CLJD with reports from Jenna Lumbang, PIO Pampanga)