MAJOR revisions to the suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin would take effect soon, with several products being delisted, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
Trade Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Amanda Nograles said last Friday that several product categories would be removed from the list to streamline the bulletin and focus on essential items.
Products such as bottled water, candles, condiments and processed milk will be excluded from the new SRP bulletin. However, staple items instant noodles and soap will remain on the list, she said.
Aside from a streamlined bulletin, Nograles said the move would make the SRP list more relevant and manageable by removing less frequently bought items.
“The idea is to declutter the SRP bulletin and to focus on items that are frequently purchased,” she told reporters on Friday.
Despite the removal of some products from the list, Nograles noted that manufacturers will still need to seek the department’s approval for any price adjustments.
Last month, the DTI proposed the removal of 10 items from the bulletin, including condensed and evaporated milk, coffee refill, candles, salt, bottled water, condiments, and batteries.
Items to be retained, meanwhile, are sardines, powdered milk, bread, laundry soap, instant noodles, processed and canned pork, beef, and poultry meat, and toilet soap.
DTI is the lead agency monitoring the SRP Bulletin which serves as a guide to consumers in purchasing basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).
As a key implementing agency of the Price Act and chairman of the National Price Coordinating Council, the DTI is mandated to ensure price stability and adequate supply of BNPCs.
Consultations with other concerned agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Statistics Authority, Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association Inc., Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners, and several retailers were made before coming up with the revision, the DTI said.
Data from the Family Income and Expenditure Survey, Consumer Price Index basket of commodities and top-selling items in sari-sari stores were also considered.
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