Photo by Jonathan Chng on Unsplash
MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured the public on Friday that the supply of bottled water remained “adequate” as a looming historic El Niño prompted alleged hoarding.
“There is no need to hoard,” the DTI said in a statement.
It said it would “intensify price monitoring and continue to coordinate closely with manufacturers and distributors to ensure a steady supply in the market.”
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The agency added that it would address complaints regarding the overpricing of plastic drums, water containers, and other related commodities.
The DTI reminded sellers to “act responsibly and refrain from taking advantage of the situation through unjustified price increases.”
“The Department will not hesitate to impose the appropriate fines, penalties, and other sanctions against those found to be violating applicable laws and regulation,” it said.
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The natural El Nino warming phenomenon, due to peak between October and December, is on course to be the strongest on record, amplifying the effects of human-induced climate change.
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