Post-‘Ompong’ price hike?: DTI’s Lopez brushes off supply concerns

Locals buy vegetables at a local market in Cagayan a day after typhoon “Ompong” made landfall. ABS-CBN NEWS

MANILA – There should be no price increases in basic commodities in the aftermath of typhoon “Ompong” as supply remains sufficient, Trade secretary Mon Lopez said Sunday.

“Wala tayong ini-expect na pagtaas [ng presyo ng bilihin]. ‘Yun pa rin ang buying price,” Lopez said in a press conference in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, one of the provinces most affected by “Ompong.”

“Ompong” left the Philippine Area of Responsibility late Saturday night.

“Nag-ikot tayo, business as usual. Nagbukas ang mga tindahan, may supply at within SRP. Kaya importante na ‘yung daanan ng supply ay passable, para madala ang mga produkto,” Lopez added.

Lopez revealed that the stores have stored enough supplies of basic commodities that can last up to two to three weeks.

“Marami pong supply, kaya hindi po natin kailangan mag-panic buying,” Lopez pointed out.

Lopez, however, conceded that the DTI is watching out for possible increase in prices of construction materials.

“Tututukan po natin ‘yung sa presyo sa construction materials kasi mabilis mag increase ang presyo kung mataas ang demand,” Lopez said.

The country is still reeling from a nine-year high 6.4 inflation rate in August mainly due to increases in food items such as rice and vegetables, as well as electricity and operation of private vehicles. (GMA News)

SOURCE: Panay News

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