Wheat flour price increase: Talks again on Monday

NEWS--2007/02/17
By Aamna Mahboob--
The meeting between Minister of Consumer Affairs Bandula Gunawardena and officials from Prima Ltd on the increase in the price of wheat flour failed and they are expected to meet again on Monday.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror after the meeting, Minister Gunawardena said: “They (Prima) had signed some agreements with the Treasury, and I have to first go through those agreements before the next meeting on Monday.”
The minister also claimed that already the Ministry’s officials were having discussions with the Treasury. Earlier the minister said he would take legal action against the Company and if necessary would import wheat flour on a competitive price.
The Prima Company last week increased the price of a kilo of wheat flour by three rupees, resulting in a one rupee increase in the price of a loaf of bread.
After the increase, a kilo of wheat flour was increased from Rs. 37 to Rs. 40 with effect from Friday (9). Bakery owners also increased their price of a loaf of bread by one rupee.
The Company has not yet got permission from the Consumer Affairs Authority to increase the price.

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