By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Department of Trade and Industry in Negros Occidental (DTI-NegOcc) is strictly monitoring supermarkets in the province if they are adhering to the suggested retail price (SRP) of the basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).

DTI-NegOcc Director Rachel Nufable said the SRP will serve as a guide for consumers to buy items within their budget.

As of the DTI price monitoring, supermarkets in Bacolod City are still compliant with the SRP of the BNPCs.

“Wala kita problema sa supply, although may increase kita sang prices, mga more than 10 percent,” Nufable said.

She said they are not expecting any price hikes as the holiday season gets nearer, and supermarkets have already stocked up on their items around two or three months prior.

Nufable said noche buena items are not considered as BNPCs, and explained that the recent price increase on these items was within last year’s SRP.

“Indi man gid majority of the products, may ara man as is lang ila retail price,” she said.

The DTI-NegOcc director advised the public to choose products that are within their budget.

Meanwhile, Nufable also confirmed that they are also monitoring the sale of Christmas lights in the city, and all of the lights they have inspected are compliant./DGB, WDJ