DTI-6: Prices of bottled water, candles remain stable ahead of Undas 2025

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Trade and Industry in Western Visayas (DTI-6) reported that prices of bottled water and candles across supermarkets and grocery stores in the region have remained stable ahead of the Undas 2025 observance.

DTI-6 OIC-Regional Director Ma. Dinda R. Tamayo said the agency continues to conduct regular price and supply monitoring to ensure price stability and product availability, particularly for candles and bottled water—items in high demand during the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day period.

“Monitoring is undertaken weekly in key cities and monthly in non-key cities across all six provinces of Western Visayas to ensure price stability and product availability,” Tamayo said in a press briefing on Oct. 30.

A total of 205 stores were covered in the latest monitoring—33 in Aklan, 20 in Antique, 22 in Capiz, 21 in Guimaras, 52 in Iloilo, and 57 in Negros Occidental.

The monitoring included two candle brands with 37 stock keeping units (SKUs) and 10 bottled water brands with 34 SKUs.

Results revealed that prices of both goods have remained stable, with no reported price increases.

Household candles are currently sold between PHP 47.00 and PHP 69.00 per pack of 20, while vigil candles range from PHP 69.00 to PHP 99.00 per piece, depending on size and brand.

For bottled water, 350 mL bottles are priced between PHP 11.00 and PHP 20.00, 500 mL bottles between PHP 15.00 and PHP 25.00, and 1-liter bottles between PHP 23.00 and PHP 30.00.

“All of these prices are consistent with previous monitoring reports and within DTI’s Suggested Retail Price (SRP) range,” Tamayo reported.

“All monitored stores maintain sufficient stocks to meet consumer demand during the Undas period. No incidents of overpricing, hoarding, or stock shortages were observed,” she added.

She also urged consumers to purchase properly labeled products and report any incidents of overpricing or unfair trade practices to the DTI.

Meanwhile, DTI-6 Consumer Protection Division Chief Grace M. Benedicto reminded the public to be smart and vigilant in their purchases.

“As consumers, we have the right to choose. We at DTI remain committed to our mandate of ensuring fair trade practices. We continue to monitor prices across the region and advise consumers to canvass before buying and to support our local producers,” she said.