Every possible step will be taken to keep essential commodity prices stable: Minister

Every possible measure will be taken to keep the prices of essential commodities stable in the country, despite the global economic pressure, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardana today said.

He said this after inspecting the procedures for the distribution of essential commodities at the Orugodawatta SATHOSA warehouse complex.

"The global supply chain's cost has increased by 300%. "The present government, including the President, has taken every measure to maintain the essential food items for the people of this country without shortage and at affordable prices," the Minister said.

All necessary facilities were made available to importers who were permitted to import essential commodities.

At this juncture, as a country confronted with a highly complexed situation, such as the global economic crisis and the supply chain crisis, the government is committed to maintain essential commodity supply in the Sri Lankan market without shortage and maintaining prices without affecting consumers, according to Minister Gunawardane.

Direct importers are facing many issues due to increasing prices in the world market as well as the cost of importing essential food items in the face of the expansion of the COVID pandemic.

Therefore, we will discuss with importers and select the items that need a price increase and will take necessary measures to keep the prices at the lowest level, Minister Gunawardena added.  (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)