No food price hikes despite fuel price revision: Restaurant owners

Food prices will not be increased despite yesterday’s fuel price revision, according to the Chairman of the All Ceylon Restaurant Owners Association, Harshana Rukshan.

Chairman Harshana Rukshan said the increase in fuel prices, between Rs. 12 and Rs. 15, is too minimal to justify an increase in food prices. He also urged restaurant owners not to raise prices and called on the Consumer Affairs Authority to take action against establishments that charge excessive rates.

However, he noted that if gas prices increase in the future, discussions will be required to reassess food pricing.

Rukshan pointed out that the prices of several food items have decreased, including eggs and chicken. He said the price of an egg has dropped from around Rs. 42 to approximately Rs. 26, while chicken meat prices have fallen from Rs. 1,450 per kilogram to between Rs. 1,250 and Rs. 1,350.

He added that, based on current market conditions, there is no justification for an increase in food prices.

Meanwhile, Harshana Rukshan recalled that prices of fried rice and kottu were increased by Rs. 30 from March 31, following the electricity tariff hike effective April 1.

Additionally, the price of plain tea and milk tea was increased by Rs. 5 by the association last month.