Firecracker shortage may increase prices in local market: Association

Colombo, March  2 (Daily Mirror) - The All Ceylon Fireworks Manufacturers Association (ACFMA) today claimed that they have manufactured fewer firecrackers for the New Year festive season due to a shortage of ingredients.

Association Chairman Dinesh Fernando told the Daily Mirror that aluminum powder, which contributes to the loud sounds produced by firecrackers, and Potassium nitrate (saltpeter), a common oxidizer essential for supporting combustion, were not permitted for import due to delays by the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation (STC).

As a result, there may be a slight shortage of fireworks in the market. The products released using the available ingredients might be sold at a significantly higher price, Fernando said.

Accordingly, prices are expected to increase by approximately 28% to 30% in the current market.

Pix by Kushan Pathiraja