MANILA, Philippines – Famous flower depot Dangwa in Dapitan, Manila and Farmers Market in Cubao, Quezon City were on Thursday, 31 October 2019, jampacked with customers panic-buying for departed loved ones they will visit on All Souls’Day and All Saints’ Day unmindful of the prices that almost doubled up.

Talk about business principle “when demand is high, the price is high.”

According to a vendor named Wandey Albino, prices of the small potted flowers are now pegged at P80 to P100 each, which normally costs only P50.

While the flowers in baskets now sells at P500 to P550 which are usually priced P200 to P250.

Classy flower arrangements are now price tagged at P800 to P1000 or almost double of its off-season price.

Meanwhile, prices of commodities which are in demand during Undas such as candles and bottled water remain the same even as All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day are upon us.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) operatives, however, found several food stores at the Araneta Bus Station in Cubao to have taken advantage of the season as they accordingly doubled the suggested retail price (SRP) for bottled water.

The officials reminded business owners to follow the SRP list to avoid charges.

The DTI also warned customers to be vigilant against overpriced products. (Gelica Paulo/IAMIGO/CNS)