By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat Canned meat manufacturers are seeking a 2-percent to 5-percent price increase of their products, citing higher cost production cost. A woman scans the selection of canned goods at a grocery store in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said the new suggested retail prices of canned meat products would form part of the new list of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) with suggested retail prices (SRPs) that the DTI will issue. These canned meat manufacturers cited higher cost of tins, raw material inputs, and oil prices as reasons for their petition for updated SRPs of their products. Fuel accounts for 7 percent to 8 percent of production cost. Lopez said the request for price hike was already filed even before the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak. Canned meats include beef loaf, luncheon meat, meat loaf, and canned sardines. Prices vary depending on brands. For 150 gram beef loaf, the SRP range from P14.50 to P18.15. The 170-gram Argentina beef loaf has an existing SRP of P19.70, while the 200-gram Purefoods beef loaf has a P24.90 SRP. SRP for corned beef (150 grams can) is P18.50 to P32, while the 175 grams is P35.80 to P36.20. The SRP for luncheon meat is P31.50 (165 grams), while meat loaf (150-gram canned pork) ranges from P16.50 to P18.30. The current SRPs on 155 gram sardines in tomato sauce range from P13.25 for Young’s Town Bonus to a high of P18.05 for the Rose Bowl brand. Other brands such as Toyo Green (easy open) is priced at P16; Hakata (easy open) at P16.80; Family Bonus Pack plan at P17; Saba at P17.20; and Ligo (easy open) at P17.50. Lopez further said the new SRP list would also be trimmed down to its original 150 products. The SRP list was expanded to cover all BNPCs and even premium brands during the high inflation period. “We are now back to normal times so there is no need for the expanded SRP list,” he said. On Friday, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said they will release the new suggested retail price (SRP) on some BNPCs on Wednesday, September 25. BNPCs with new SRPs would include manufactured consumer goods such as sardines, noodles, and coffee. They are also expected to go up this week. Castelo said there are items in the SRP list of basic necessities and prime commodities that have not adjusted prices since August, 2018. Aside from the price hikes on certain manufactured goods, Castelo said the price of selected brands of bottled water will decrease. For instant noodles, both chicken and beef, have SRP ranging from P6.60 to P7.75 per pack. The 55 gram Quickchow beef noodle has an SRP of P6.45, while 50 gram Payless beef noodles at P6.50 per pack. Lucky Me 55 gram beef noodle has SRP of P7.75 per pack. SRPs on instant coffee vary depending on the weight per pack and brand. A 20-gram Blend 45 coffee has an SRP of P4.10, while a 17-gram Café Puro is at P4.30. San Mig coffee 3-in-1 original is at P5.35 for 20 gram pack, while a 30-gram Kopiko Black at P7. The Nescafe Classic Coffee refill 50-gram pack has an SRP of P39.40, while the 50-gram Café Puro coffee refill is at P39.75.