Price control on bread within two days: Trade Minister

Colombo, July 22 (Daily Mirror) - A decision will be taken within two days to announce a controlled price on all bread varieties if the bakery association does not take a decision to reduce the price of a 450 gram loaf of bread, including other bakery items, Trade, Commerce and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando said today.

Addressing the media, he said the decision was taken following a discussion with the bakery owners last Friday (19) regarding the price reduction of bread and other bakery items.

The bakery owners requested a few more days to make a decision. 

"There are various types of bread in the market with different names and at different prices. This has been a serious issue for the people. Therefore, I told the bakery owners to carry out a price reduction on all bread varieties in two or three days," he said.

If not, the Minister said that he will announce a controlled price for all bread varieties. After imposing a controlled price, people will be able to buy a 450 gram loaf of bread at an affordable price.

"The government also imports wheat flour apart from the main two importers. The bakery owners have no issues with buying the required amount of flour. Bakeries can buy flour from local manufacturers or from importers. Earlier, they did not have such options," the Minister said. 

“I have informed them of the amount that will be reduced from the price of a loaf of bread. I will give them only two days to make their decision. After that, I will announce the controlled prices,” Minister Nalin Fernando said.