By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) revealed, based on recent price monitoring, there have been no noticeable price hikes on ‘noche buena’ products, often purchased amid the holiday season.

The agency noted, items such as ham, fruit cocktail, and cheese are being sold at comparable prices to the previous year, calling it a “minimal price increase;” pointing out prices for one kilogram of ham range between P315 to P525 this year, as compared to P305 and P525 last year.

DTI credited a low cost of raw materials for the prices.

Meanwhile, DTI-Bacolod Product Standard and Price Monitoring Officer Reginald Hudierez reported no current problems with supply, but noted, ‘noche buena’ products begin to sell out around the third and fourth week of December, which starts on Monday, December 18.

He added, local supermarkets are currently in compliance with the suggested retail price, which is set by DTI./DGB, WDJ