DTI: Prices of water, basic goods stable amid looming ‘Super El Niño’

MANILA, Philippines, October 16 ------ Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque said supplies and prices for basic and prime commodities, including bottled water, remain stable despite the looming effects of Super El Niño.

In a chance interview in Pampanga, Roque said there was no need to panic as supplies remained sufficient to meet demand. “There’s no need to panic, and there’s no need to hurry. We have enough supply of basic necessities and prime commodities and also bottled water or water. We have enough supply,” Roque told reporters.

She said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is in close coordination with manufacturers and retailers to ensure an adequate supply of basic necessities and prime commodities. Roque also said no supermarkets had requested price increases for basic necessities and prime commodities.

The state weather bureau recently warned that a “very strong El Niño” is likely to emerge between October and December 2026 and may persist until the first half of 2027.

Source: inquirer.net