Price hikes sought for LPG, milk powder and others not granted yet: Govt.

Saturday, 19 June 2021 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Consumer Affairs State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna

The Government yesterday confirmed that no decision has been taken yet on requests for price hikes of various products, including LPG, milk powder, chicken and cement.

“We have not yet agreed to grant approval to increase prices of several consumer goods despite various manufacturers having requested for the same in view of the sharp rise in their cost,” Consumer Affairs State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna told journalists yesterday.

He said that the companies have requested to reconsider their requests as well as suggest alternative measures to reduce their costs.

Alagiyawanna also said the Gazette notification issued by the Government regarding the registration of warehouses containing essential commodities, such as milk powder, sugar, paddy and rice, expired yesterday (18). He said the warehouse owners who failed to register would have legal action taken against them.

Price hikes

It was explained that the purpose of publishing the Gazette notification was not to harass those who are

engaged in fair trade, but to inform the public that disciplinary action would be taken against fraudulent businesses in order to protect the consumer.

He said by obtaining accurate data on these warehouses, the Government can make informed decisions on various requests for price hikes as well as take action against if any artificial shortages created or products sold at exorbitant prices.

“It will also help the Treasury to decide the degree of taxation or waivers to provide on some of the essential consumer items,” Alagiyawanna added.

He also explained some of the measures the Government has taken to offer relief to people amidst the COVID pandemic and resultant travel restrictions.

“At present, over 1,500 ‘Co-operative Society’ mobile vehicles have been deployed to serve the general public. We have also distributed over 700,000 bags containing essential items for families impacted by the recent floods,” the State Minister said.