The Government yesterday gazetted the maximum retail price (MRP) for sugar and rice as part of measures to reduce the rising cost of living and discipline the trade.

The MRP for white sugar (packed) is Rs. 125 per kilo, white sugar (unpacked) will be Rs. 122 per kilo, brown sugar (packed) is Rs. 128 per kilo and brown sugar (unpacked) will be Rs. 125 per kilo.

Prior to the MRP, white sugar has been selling above Rs. 200 as a result of the Government not issuing any import licences since mid-May.

The MRP for keeri samba is Rs. 125 per kilo; samba will be Rs. 103 per kilo; nadu Rs. 98 per kilo; and 

kekulu Rs. 95 per kilo. 

On Wednesday, the Government seized 29,000 tons of sugar hoarded in several warehouses and directed them to be sold to consumers. However, the owners of the warehouses claimed following recent Government directive all warehouses and stocks were communicated to the Consumer Affairs Authority and there were no unfair practices on their part.

Advocata warns excessive price controls will worsen shortages