DTI checking prices of alcohol, hand sanitizers

MANILA, Philippines - Amid reports of high prices and short supply of alcohol and hand sanitizers in the wake of the A(H1N1) scare, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has started monitoring prices of the products. DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said they are waiting for suppliers and supermarket owners’ price lists which the agency would use as basis for monitoring prices. “Sabi ng suppliers ... ang presyo nila second and third quarter last year pa. Walang dahilan para magtaas ng presyo [Suppliers of the products said they had not changed their prices since the second and third quarters of last year. So there is no reason to raise prices]," Maglaya said in an interview on dzXL radio. Maglaya urged consumers to call the DTI hotline at 7513330, which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to report high prices or short supply of alcohol and hand sanitizer. Last Wednesday, the DTI called for an emergency meeting with suppliers, importers and retailers to verify reports that prices of such products have been jacked up, and that supplies are running out. She said retailers in that meeting assured the DTI that there was sufficient supply of the products. “Sabi ng supplier, pagtanggap order naka-deliver agad, oportunidad ito para makabenta [The suppliers belied they could not keep up with demand. They deliver immediately upon getting orders. It is an opportunity for them to sell]," she said. - GMANews.TV