By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
NEW YORK CITY – Malacañang on Monday (New York time) urged the public to refrain from panic buying despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, assuring them that supplies of fuel and basic commodities remain sufficient.
In a press briefing at Hilton Garden Inn, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said government monitoring shows no unusual price movements in essential goods in Metro Manila and other regions.
“Sa ngayon po, ang sabi naman po, tulad ng aking sinabi kahapon sa DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), wala naman daw po movement ng price sa mga basic commodities natin sa NCR (National Capital Region) at sa ibang mga region (For now, according to the Department of Trade and Industry, there has been no movement in the prices of our basic commodities in NCR and other regions),” Castro said.
Castro also advised the public to immediately report any abnormal price increases to the DTI and the Department of Energy.
She noted that fuel prices are expected to increase starting Tuesday due to global developments, but oil firms have committed to implementing the adjustment on a staggered basis.
Despite uncertainties caused by continued tensions in the Middle East, Castro said the government is urging the public to prepare but not resort to panic buying.
“Hindi po kailangan magkaroon ng panic buying dahil kumpleto naman po at enough pa po ang supply, lalong-lalo na ang ating fuel at ng ating mga basic commodities (There is no need for panic buying because supplies remain complete and sufficient, especially our fuel and basic commodities),” she said.
Castro also reiterated the warning against hoarding and profiteering, saying the government will take legal action against violators.
“Kapag kayo ay nahuli na lumalabag sa batas, nahuli na nag-hoard or umaksyon o gumawa ng profiteering, hindi po kayo tatantanan ng ating pamahalaan dahil kayo po mismo ay madedemanda at kakasuhan (If you are caught hoarding or engaging in profiteering, the government will not let you off because you will face charges and legal action),” she said. (PNA)
