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Prices of essential food items going up
View(s):Essential imported food times have gone up in price with the rupee ending weaker against the dollar, officials said.
The prices of dhal, dried chilies, cowpea, sprats, gram, big onions, potatoes and other items have increased as the rupee fell to a record low of Rs. 140.98 against the US dollar on Friday.
In view of the increase, the Pettah Traders Association has sought a meeting with Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake to discuss the difficulties in maintaining stable prices on food items. The minister has promised to meet the traders on his return from an overseas visit.
The association’s president, K. Palaniandy, said they were forced to continue with the imports to maintain stocks, but in view of the rupee falling against the dollar they were facing financial difficulties. The prices of other items including electronics and non-essential food items were fluctuating over the weekend.