Wheat flour price hike illegal: Harsha

The wheat flour price increase announced by wheat flour dealers is illegal and politically motivated, Convener of the Cabinet Committee on Cost of Living, Non-Cabinet Minister Dr Harsha De Silva said today.

Wheat flour dealers announced earlier that the price of wheat price has increased by Rs 8.50 a kilo.

Dr. De Silva told the Daily Mirror that the increase was illegal as the suppliers have not sought the permission of the Consumer Affairs Authority to increase the price of wheat flour.

“Action will be taken against those who sell wheat flour more than the stipulated price of Rs 87 per killo. We request the Prima company to cancel the price hike immediately, Dr. De Silva said.

Subsequently, the All Ceylon Bakery Owners Association said they have decided to increase the price of a loaf of bread by Rs 3 to Rs 5.

However, the Consumer Affairs Authority said in a statement that it had not given permission for a price hike. The statement said legal action will be taken against those who sell flour at a higher price.

Soon afterwards, the All Ceylon Bakery Owners Association said the prices will not be increased as decision to increase prices had been withdrawn by the dealers. (Yohan Perera)