The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to tightly monitor prices of basic necessities in markets across the province even after the lifting of the prize freeze order which was implemented when Bohol was put under a state of calamity.

According to Joe Hibaya, chief of Bohol DTI’s Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Division, the department lifted the price freeze on June 20, 2016, 60 days after it was implemented on April 20, 2016, barring retailers to increase prices of basic goods.

However, the department has not stopped its tight monitoring of market prices in the province amid numerous consumer complaints of overpricing of basic necessities.

The DTI had previously warned business owners that they will be given severe penalties if caught selling goods at costs beyond the suggested retail price.

According to Hibaya, none had been caught of violating the prize freeze order since it was implemented until lifted.

Even with the calamity, prices in Bohol remained relatively lower than in other provinces, Hibaya added.

While the department has been successful in keeping basic good prices low, the department had previously noted that it has no control over changing costs of fish and fuel as other government agencies regulate their sale.

There have been several complaints on the high prices of fish and fuel in the province as the problem remains unresolved for Boholanos.