Talks on flour and bread prices ends in stalemate

The discussion held between the government, flour manufacturers and bakery owners, regarding the inconveniences faced by consumers has ended in a stalemate.

The Consumer Affairs Authority requested flour manufacturers to call off the decision to increase the price of wheat flour, until the Cost of Living Committee holds discussions and arrives at a fair decision pertaining to the price of flour.

However flour manufacturers had not shown a positive response to the request during today's meeting. Flour manufacturers had stated they will hold discussions with patent companies and announce their decision within the next few days.

Accordingly the official said special raids will be carried out island wide in order to take legal action against traders who sell wheat flour at a higher price.

Meanwhile another discussion was held between the Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Buddhika Pathirana and the All Ceylon Bakery Owners Association regarding the bakery owner’s decision to increase the price of a loaf of bread by Rs.5 following the increase in the price of wheat flour.

Speaking to  Jaffnazone .com the President of the All Island Bakery Owners Association NK Jayawardena said bakery owners are unable to reduce the price of a loaf of bread as flour manufacturers did not agree to reduce the price of flour.

Accordingly he said the meeting ended without a conclusion. Jayawardena noted representatives from flour manufacturing companies, several domestic unions and the Consumer Affairs Authority were also present at the meeting.