The Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 (DTI-3) reminded retailers and consumers that an automatic price freeze on basic necessities is now in effect in areas declared under a State of Calamity.

The measure covers the entire Province of Pampanga, Calumpit in Bulacan, and Masinloc in Zambales, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act.

Under the law, prices of covered basic necessities are frozen at their prevailing levels before the calamity declaration for up to 60 days, unless lifted earlier by the President.

Covered items include canned fish and marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap and detergent, candles, bread, salt, bottled water and locally manufactured instant noodles.

DTI-3 will continue monitoring prices and supply, while urging retailers to comply and consumers to report violations through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or official DTI channels.