MANILA — Manufacturers of basic and prime commodities have pledged to maintain current prices until mid-April, even as oil costs rise due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said.

Roque noted that the DTI continues to engage with manufacturers and conduct price monitoring to ensure stability. While some minor price increases have been reported in remote areas, she said these are isolated cases.

“In general, there really have been no changes,” Roque said in a media interview, emphasizing the commitment of producers and retailers to maintain prices until April 16.

The DTI acknowledged that any adjustment to the 205 products on its stock keeping units (SKUs) list would be understandable given current developments, but Roque expressed hope that any increase would be minimal.

“We don’t have a problem with supplies. It’s hard for me to speculate on price. But we’re really hoping to keep the prices,” she said.

Roque declined to provide specific figures for possible future price hikes, citing the need to prevent speculation among consumers.

The statement comes amid broader concerns over rising costs of living as geopolitical tensions continue to affect global oil markets.