Courtesy NewsIn.Asia

Colombo, Oct 10 (News 1st) – The Government of Sri Lanka recently lifted the control prices of several essential items in bid to put an end to people lining up for hours to purchase goods.

These items are Wheat Flour, Milk Powder, Cement and LP Gas.

On Friday (8), the Government also took measures to remove these items from the list of Specified Goods, further paving the way for importers to increase their prices for the local markets.

For several months, people have been lining up daily outside state businesses to purchase milk powder, rice, LP gas and other essential items.

In late September 2021, Rice Mill owners announced the new retail price for rice, following the government decision to lift control prices.

This move came after the government declared a state of emergency over the food shortages on August 31st and imposed rationing.

It forced farmers to sell their rice to a state agency and seized some from private warehouses.

A shortage of foreign currency caused by a pandemic recession has unleashed the shortages of food, medicines and other essential items for the island nation of 21 million people.

Central bank Governor Nivard Cabraal told reporters on Thursday that he had authorized some $50m to get the release of containers of milk powder blocked in Colombo port for the past three months.

As soon as the control prices were lifted, Milk Powder importers were first to increase their prices.

According to the revised prices, a packet of 1 kg of milk powder which was sold at Rs. 945 will be sold at Rs. 1,195.

The 400g milk powder packet which was sold at Rs. 380 will be now sold at Rs. 480.

One of the key players in the Sri Lankan LP Gas market, Laughs Gas said the price of Gas will also be increased.

Speaking to News 1st, the Chairman of Laughs Gas said, the revised prices will be announced within the next week.

When we inquired Litro Gas Ltd of a possible price increase, a spokesperson at Litro confirmed that a final decision regarding a price hike is yet to be taken.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena and State Minister of Cooperatives, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna not to allow any shortages or unreasonable increases in market prices of essential commodities whose price controls have been removed.

The stocks of rice imported to Sri Lanka are due to be brought into the country on Sunday (10) and Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena said that a kilogram of rice will be provided to the general public at a price less than 100 rupees.