Prices of essential items under review

The government is in the process of revising prices of essential items such as rice, sugar, milk powder and domestic gas, a minister said yesterday.

Currently, a Maximum Retail Price has been imposed on rice and sugar. State

Minister of Cooperative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna told Daily Mirror the prices of some essential items were under review.

“We have not taken any final decision in this regard,” he said.

The cost of living has increased in the country due to factors such as the problems in the supply chain, dollar shortage to finance imports and rupee depreciation. Asked whether import restrictions on sugar would be lifted, the Minister said available stocks would suffice for two and half months.“we have to make a decision at one point,” he said.

The government has introduced a maximum price of Rs.98 for a kilo of rice. However, farmers are agitating at the moment asking for a hike in price for their paddy produce. (KELUM BANDARA)