Bakery owners want govt to hold back flour price increase

Bakery owners have reportedly assured that they will hold back a proposed price increase if the government can ensure that prices of wheat flour is not increased until the pandemic situation is over.

A discussion was held today by Minister Cooperative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna with the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and other office bearers of the All Island Bakery Products Association.

The Ministry noted that though the Prima Company has not increased the prices of wheat flour, the Serandib Company has increased prices without the proper approval of the Consumer Affairs Authority.

“Hence, a decision has been taken by the Consumer Affairs Authority to file a case against the price increase expeditiously. The government will not allow companies to increase prices of wheat flour”, the press release from the Ministry said.

The Association at the meeting had confirmed that the price of any bakery product will not be increased if there is no increase in price of wheat flour at this juncture till the pandemic situation is over.

The moves came as the bakery owners had warned that they would increase a loaf of bread by Rs 10 in view of the flour price increase.