The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental will implement a price freeze on basic commodities as the province faces potential risks from Mt. Kanlaon’s restiveness, an official announced yesterday.

DTI-Negros Oriental Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio said that while price freezes are automatic when an area is declared under a state of calamity, the current situation presents unique challenges.

Although only Canlaon City and Vallehermoso are directly affected, the entire province is under a state of calamity.

Virtucio said they are now “facing a dilemma” on whether to impose a province-wide price freeze or propose a “selective” one only for the affected areas.

She said regardless of what the higher authorities will approve, a price freeze is expected this week.

A meeting is scheduled with the DTI regional offices of Central Visayas and Negros Island Region to discuss the “complicated” situation of Negros Oriental, she added.

DTI teams who regularly monitor the prices of commodities in Canlaon City have reported of a slight increase since the eruption last month.

Some of these commodities are sold higher by as much as P2 than the suggested retail price (SRP), Virtucio said.

She said a price freeze would prevent price gouging in affected areas while balancing fairness to businesses elsewhere in the province.

Additionally, the DTI is preparing for a potential Alert Level 4 scenario, which may require adjustments to the freeze and support for evacuees.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has already imposed a 15-day price freeze on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas in Negros Oriental effective until January 25. (PNA)