MIlk powder importers threaten Govt.

24 February 2012 11:49 am

Milk powder importers threatened to stop imports unless the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) did not permit to increase a 450 gram packet of milk powder by Rs.15 by next Wednesday. 

Addressing a news briefing last afternoon in Colombo, the CEO of Maliban Lukshman Weerasuriya said the decision was a collective one as all milk powder importers that represent 95% of the local milk powder market find it extremely difficult to engage in the milk powder trade as it has become a loss making exercise.

“All six milk powder importers incur a loss of Rs. 37 for every kilogram of milk powder they sell in the local market due to the devaluation of the rupee and the increase of the US dollar. The demand to increase the price of milk powder is nothing to do with the global market price or any other overheads but solely on these two factors,” Mr. Weerasuiya stressed.  (By Sandun A. Jayaekera)