(GMA News) As consumers continue to bear the brunt of the pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has allowed some brands of basic goods to increase their prices by P0.25 to P0.75.

In Bernadette Reyes’ “24 Oras” report, DTI said the price hike stemmed from the increasing cost of raw materials. It approved a price hike for basic goods, including sardines, canned meat, noodles, milk and coffee.

“Lahat nagtaasan worldwide, yung isda para sa sardinas…. Kung mayroong nag-iincrease dapat hindi lumagpas sa 3.5 percent lang,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, in an interview.

(Prices have increased worldwide, including fish for sardines. If prices will increase, it should be not more than 3.5% only.)

However, Lopez said it will take a month before the new suggested retail prices (SRPs) guide will be implemented. Price hike for goods will not be experienced for now, the DTI Secretary added.

But according to Steven Cua, chief of Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, some manufacturers have already increased the prices of their goods.

“Nobody wants to defy government directives. But of course, if you don’t have income anymore, you have no choice but to adjust. The price increase is not that high,” said Cua in mixed Filipino and English.

Cua, meanwhile, advised consumers to choose only goods that they need or pick items that are on sale.

For consumer Jane Estose, her family will have to reduce their grocery items due to expected price hike. Another grocery customer, who had just lost her job, said she has no choice but to limit expenses when shopping for basic necessities.

On July 9, DTI lifted price freeze on basic goods which means basic necessities “will now be sold at their suggested retail prices (SRPs) based on the September 30, 2019 list.”