The Department of Trade and Industry in Western Visayas (DTI-6) assured the public that prices of candles and bottled water are stable and supplies are adequate to meet the demand of consumers during the Undas period.

Regional Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo, in a press conference yesterday, said they are focusing on the two commodities that are highly in demand during Undas.

DTI monitors two candle brands with 37 stock-keeping units (SKUs) and 10 bottled water brands with 34 SKUs in 205 stores region-wide, including Negros Occidental.

“Our monitoring reveals that both candles and bottled water remain stable with no reported price increases,” she said.

She said the prevailing price of household candles ranges from P47 to P69 per pack of 20, while vigil candles are sold between P69 and P99 per piece.

The price of bottled water in supermarkets showed a stable to slightly declining trend, with an average movement of less than two percent. Prices of bottled water in grocery stores also remain stable.

“The price levels are consistent with the previous monitoring reports and the SRP [suggested retail price] of the DTI,” Tamayo said.

There are also no monitored incidents of hoarding, overpricing or stock shortage, he said.

Tamayo reminded consumers to purchase properly labeled products and be vigilant by reporting overpricing and unfair trade practices. (PNA)