Rice prices inflated at some places, CAA on alert

• Rice varieties sold at stipulated rates at most places  

By Leenah Wahab   

Some traders are selling rice at prices higher than the controlled price, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said yesterday.   The CAA said while most shops are selling at the gazetted price, there have been reports of inflated prices. “Steps taken to import will stabilize rice prices in the market,” he said.   

 The CAA also said hoarding and artificial shortages will be resolved in the coming weeks. “Island wide market investigations into these reports are underway,” the spokesperson said.  

Moreover, the CAA said 2,000 tonnes of rice have been imported as of yesterday, and that the quality of the rice is up to standard and will be distributed accordingly.   The Essential Food Commodities Importers and Traders Association said there are no issues with rice imports, and shipments will be arriving on schedule.  

Media spokesperson of the Importers and Trader’s Association Nihal Seneviratne said white raw, Nadu and the samba varieties will be imported. “Some of the shipments will be arriving next week, and we will be distributing to our normal channels and wholesalers upon arrival,” he said.   

Manager of Procurement at STC Dhanushka Pushpakumara said 5,200 tonnes of rice will be imported in the coming week, and a total of 50,000 tonnes will be imported. “Two tenders have been published, and shipments of 2,800 and 5,200 tonnes will arrive between the 16 and 20 of December,” he said.   

Mr. Pushpakumara said of four tenders, one tender has already been awarded to India from which 440 tonnes have been imported.