The price of imported essential foods may increase due to the war situation - Minister Wasantha

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe states that due to the current war situation in the Middle East region, there is a possibility of some change in the prices of essential goods in the country. Speaking at a press conference held in Colombo yesterday (16), the Minister pointed out that this global situation could particularly affect daily consumed goods such as imported potatoes, onions, lentils, and sugar.

He mentioned that about 80% of Sri Lanka's consumer requirement for potatoes and onions, 90% for sugar, and 100% for lentils are imported from foreign countries. However, the Minister emphasized that there is currently an adequate rice reserve in the country, and more than enough rice has been produced domestically for the next three to four months, so there will be no problem regarding rice.

This crisis has directly affected dried fish varieties like sprats, as well as bulk goods largely imported from India and China. Due to disruptions in the international supply chain, shipping and insurance costs have increased, which is the main factor influencing future changes in commodity prices. This global situation has now impacted almost every country, not only in terms of fuel and gas supply but also in the import of essential food items.

The government is already taking steps to implement a management process to continuously provide essential goods to consumers by daily reviewing the situation and arranging necessary facilities. The Minister further stated that although a delay in fuel ships could impact the supply chain, the necessary confirmations regarding fuel supply have already been provided through four fuel ships scheduled to arrive in the country until next April.