DTI urges restock of N95 masks amid Taal eruption

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has urged retailers in Luzon, especially Region 4-A and Metro Manila, to restock N95 masks due to the Taal Volcano eruption.

DTI suggested bringing supplies from non-affected areas like Visayas and Mindanao, and foreign suppliers are being asked to expedite shipments.

The DTI also dispatched monitoring teams in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, and Metro Manila to ensure no price hikes occur.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III ordered a price freeze on medical items including N95 masks, analgesics, anti-allergics, anticonvulsants/antiseptics, antidotes, and antibiotics in affected areas.

Some retailers have raised mask prices as high as PHP200 to PHP400, prompting the DTI to consider rationing sales per customer.