The All Island Canteen Owners Association says the price of a packet of rice will inevitably increase by between Rs.20-Rs.30 in the future.
Speaking to NewsRadio, President of the Association Asela Sampath said the prices of all bakery products will also increase amidst the increase in wheat flour prices.
Sampath said canteen owners are not in a position to provide products at lower prices when fuel and wheat flour prices increased and when the subject Minister has hinted that prices of domestic gas cylinders will also increase.
The President of the Association said the government must promptly announce a minimum pricing for these services in order to protect consumers and restaurateurs adding failure to do so will lead to a catastrophic situation.
He said prices of food items including short eats, and kottu will increase due to the wheat flour price hike.
Sampath said the price of a litre of coconut oil is Rs.720, a kilogram of chicken is Rs.840 while a kilogram of dhal is Rs.330.
He said prices will increase due to transportation costs increasing led by the fuel price hike.
Sampath said consumers are facing power cuts and fuel queues.
He also noted that World Consumers Rights Day, which falls on the 15th of March, is also approaching.
