The Department of Trade and Industry has ordered a price freeze in earthquake-affected areas the first district in Negros Oriental, because of reported artificial increases in the prices of basic and prime commodities.

At least, 44 stores were found to be jacking up prices and taking advantage of the situation, reports reaching the DTI indicated.

Of this number, 12 stores were found overpricing in Guihulngan; nine in La Libertad; five in Jimalalud; four in Tayasan; and 14 in Ayungon, DTI regional director Aster Caberte said. She will lead a calamity “diskwento caravan” today in La Libertad and tomorrow in Jimalalud.

Cabete also said warnings were issued to those who violate the provisions of the Price Act, particularly Section 15. They were told to maintain the Suggested Retail Price prevailing in the area prior to the calamity, he added.

Caberte stressed the calamity diskwento caravan is aimed at normalizing the supply situation in those areas, by flooding the markets with more than enough supply of prime and basic commodities.

A number of distributors are taking part in the caravan, to sell soaps, shampoo, cereals, toothpastes, beverages, coffee, noodles, sardines, among others, at distributors prices, the DTI said.*JG

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