DTI expands price freeze to other areas amid 'Kristine'

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry has added areas where a price freeze on basic necessities will be implemented due to the inclement weather caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

The agency is enforcing price freeze in the following areas

The automatic price freeze is enforced under Republic Act 7581, also known as the Price Act, which imposes a 60-day freeze on essential items like canned fish, instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee and laundry soap.

This law takes effect once a state of calamity is declared to maintain stable prices for necessities.

The freeze will last for 60 days unless the president decides to lift it earlier.