There is no go-ahead whatsoever (given) by the government to increase wheat flour prices in the domestic market, said the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on 18 September.
โSome wheat flour suppliers and millers have increased their flour price by Rs 5 per kilo. The Consumer Affairs Authority has not authorised any private or public sector supplier or miller to increase flour prices in this way. These price hikes therefore are arbitrary, unilateral, illegal and violate the local consumer wellbeingโ stressed Minister Bathiudeen.
On Tuesday September 18 Minister Bathiudeen issued strict directions to CAA to take immediate legal measures and proceed with court filings against all flour millers and suppliers who hiked their wheat flour price by Rs 5 as it was without any due authorisations. Minister Bathiudeen has urgently called for a report from CAA on the latest developments on wheat flour and instructed the officials to clarify if any urgent amendments to the CAA Act is required to proceed. He has called CAA to commence legal action by latest on 20 September.
The CAA has also been instructed to raid any retail or wholesale seller who violates the pre-determined flour sale price in the domestic market.
The maximum allowed price of a kilo of wheat flour (by CAA) in the market at present is Rs 87.
Leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress