Albay consumers, small businesses cope with rising fuel prices
Published Mar 11, 2026 09:36 pm
A DTI staff checking detergent prices. (DTI 5 FB)
LEGAZPI CITY – Consumers and small business owners in Albay said Wednesday they are adopting practical ways to manage expenses as concerns over possible increases in commodity prices persist amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Vilma Perez, 47, a housewife from a minimum-wage-earning household, said stable prices would greatly help consumers, especially families with transportation and school-related expenses.
"For me, it is better if prices do not increase because, as a consumer, it is already difficult when goods become expensive, especially now that there are school days and we have to pay for transportation," she said in an interview.
Perez said rising fuel prices may eventually affect the cost of goods, making it difficult for businesses to keep prices from rising. Her family has started conserving electricity and water by unplugging appliances when not in use and doing laundry in batches.
Nardito Aguallo, 39, a small business owner of a sari-sari store in Mabinit, Legazpi City, said small retailers rely on minimal earnings.
"For us, small businesses like sari-sari stores, our profit is only in pesos. If the prices of goods do not increase, we will not add any markup," Aguallo said.
He added retailers may have to adjust prices if suppliers increase their costs, as their earnings are already small.
The Department of Trade and Industry in Bicol (DTI-5) assured the public that the prices and supply of basic goods remain stable despite global challenges.
"Our continuous price and supply monitoring, coupled with close collaboration with retailers and local government units, ensures that basic goods remain available for the public," DTI-5 Regional Director Dindo Nabol said in a statement Wednesday.
Recent monitoring confirms that major retailers maintain sufficient inventory, with continued compliance with suggested retail prices, helping ensure affordability for consumers.
Nabol reminded the public to avoid panic buying, as supply chains remain fully operational. Regular advisories are issued to guide both retailers and consumers, while enforcement teams remain vigilant against unfair trade practices.