Four essential items milk powder, wheat flour, LP gas and cement were taken off from the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) control last night, paving way for a hike.

The move was decided at a special meeting last night chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Cabinet Ministers.

“President instructed not to allow room for unnecessary high price hikes in the market,” State Minister of Cooperative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna said.

Basil’s first Budget on 12 Nov.