Negros Oriental: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental will implement a price freeze on basic commodities as the province faces potential risks from Mt. Kanlaon's restiveness, an official announced Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DTI-Negros Oriental Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio stated that while price freezes are automatic when an area is declared under a state of calamity, the current situation presents unique challenges. Although only Canlaon City and Vallehermoso are directly affected, the entire province is under a state of calamity.

Virtucio mentioned they are now 'facing a dilemma' on whether to impose a province-wide price freeze or propose a 'selective' one only for the affected areas. She confirmed that, regardless of the decision by higher authorities, a price freeze is expected this week. A meeting is scheduled with the DTI regional offices of Central Visayas and Negros Island Region to discuss the 'complicated' situation of Negros Oriental.

DTI teams who regularly monitor commodity prices in Canlaon City have reported a slight increase since last month's eruption. Some commodities are being sold higher by as much as PHP2 than the suggested retail price (SRP), Virtucio noted. She emphasized that a price freeze would prevent price gouging in affected areas while ensuring fairness to businesses elsewhere in the province.

Additionally, the DTI is preparing for a potential Alert Level 4 scenario, which may necessitate adjustments to the freeze and additional support for evacuees. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has already imposed a 15-day price freeze on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas in Negros Oriental, effective until January 25.