The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) clarified on Friday that no price freeze has been imposed despite Malacañang’s declaration of a national energy emergency, stressing that supplies of basic and prime commodities remain steady and prices continue to hold.
In a statement, the DTI said Executive Order No. 110 was crafted as a preventive measure to shield the country from possible disruptions in global oil supply arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Rather than triggering direct market intervention, the agency said the order is meant to ease pressure on key sectors and help prevent the kind of inflationary shock that could eventually require stricter controls.
Central to the government’s response is the rollout of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program, which provides targeted subsidies to the transport and agriculture sectors. According to the DTI, the program is intended to cushion the rising cost of moving goods and, in turn, protect consumers from sudden spikes in the prices of essential items.
“By stabilizing the cost of moving goods, the government is proactively preventing the very inflationary pressures that would otherwise necessitate a price freeze,” the agency said.
The DTI also underscored the role of private sector cooperation in keeping prices manageable. It said 21 major manufacturers of essential goods — including producers of canned sardines, bread, bottled water, instant noodles, and coffee — have formally committed to hold their current prices for the next 30 to 60 days.
The agency said this voluntary industry action strengthens market stability without the need for mandatory price controls. The 30-day commitment will remain in effect until April 16, while the 60-day pledge will run until May 16.
Based on its ongoing price and supply monitoring, the DTI said inventory levels of basic necessities remain sufficient and there is no shortage that would justify unwarranted price increases.
The clarification came after grocery and retail groups announced planned price adjustments beginning April 1, 2026, citing the continuing tensions in the Middle East.
While emphasizing that no formal price freeze is currently in place, the DTI said its consumer protection teams have been placed on heightened alert to guard against abuse in the market.
The agency said it will continue to enforce compliance with the Suggested Retail Price bulletin and closely monitor basic necessities and prime commodities not covered by SRP guidelines. Retailers found engaging in profiteering, or raising prices by more than 10 percent without valid justification, as well as those involved in hoarding, could face administrative penalties and possible imprisonment.
With supply levels stable and voluntary price commitments in place, the DTI said there is no immediate need for a government-imposed freeze, but assured the public that it remains ready to act should market conditions worsen.
