COLOMBO – The price of wheat flour-based items including bread and the popular ‘kottu’ were increased, effective midnight Sunday (28).
The All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association, upping the prices of a 450g loaf of bread by Rs 10, attributed the hike to an increase in wheat flour prices.
Shortage of wheat flour was reported from several areas in the country, with traders in Pettah attributing the shortage to a drop in supply. Wheat flour prices have also been increased by Rs 18.50 a kilo.
The Association said the price of ‘Kottu’ and various other wheat flour-based bakery products will also increase by Rs 5 from midnight Sunday.
President of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association, N.K. Jayawardena, said a situation has arisen where the bakery industry cannot be maintained any longer and that bakery owners are facing several serious issues.
He said it was the first time in history that the price of wheat flour has increased by Rs 18.50.
-ENCL