DTI warns retailers for overpriced water bottles
THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it has issued letters of inquiry (LoI) to 10 retailers for selling bottled water at prices up to 120% higher than the suggested retail price (SRP).
“The goal of this nationwide sweep is to ensure that consumers in the entire country are not faced with unfair or unconscionable pricing practices and that there is an ample supply of these commodities during this significant time,” Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said in a statement on Thursday.
On the same day, DTI officials and representatives conducted a nationwide monitoring of Undas-related commodities in preparation for the observance of All Saints’ Day.
“These proactive measures were taken to let the public know that the DTI is here to protect consumers against retailers selling unreasonable prices of commodities, especially during holidays and special occasions where there is a higher demand for certain goods,” Mr. Pascual said.
The 10 retailers, which are said to be selling the bottled waters within a visited bus terminal, were given 72 hours by the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau to provide a written explanation.
Of the 10 retailers, one was issued a show cause order for not following the price tag guideline. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
