Canned sardines group says hike in raw materials pushing production costs up

MANILA — The Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines CSAP is complaining about an alleged lack of industry consultation by the Department of Trade and Industry, which assured consumers that there will be no price adjustment until the end of the year.

CSAP president Ben Sy said the government should consider rising costs of production due to more expensive raw materials like fish.

Aside from that, imported components like sauce and tin cans are also rising, on top of higher fuel prices, wages, and electricity costs.

Sy said industry players favor a price range for products that are covered by the suggested retail price scheme and not a specific amount that is below production cost.

The DTI monitors around 190 basic and prime products, including known sardine brands, with suggested retail prices.

Meat processors have meanwhile assured consumers that industry members have committed to maintain current prices until the end of 2026.

In return, the group wants the government to address port congestion, which entails additional costs for demurrage fees in various ports in the capital.

CSAP also listed port congestion as a problem that makes business costlier in the country.

The supermarket group meanwhile said it felt the economic pinch, as consumers buy less compared to last year due to the higher prices of goods.

Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association president Steven Cua said some basic and prime commodities outside the SRP scheme have gone up. 

When asked about how much consumers should allot for their Noche Buena feast, Cua refused to state an amount.

The DTI was criticized last year for saying that P500 is enough for Noche Buena.

“Spend within your means. The word is pagkasyahin hindi yung kasya ba ito o hindi (Focus on making the most of what you have),” Cua said.