The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced its intervention in response to rising concerns over a reported shortage and overpricing of salt across the country.
According to CAA officials, numerous complaints have been lodged regarding the inflated prices of salt in retail markets. The situation has reportedly been worsened by a wave of panic buying triggered by media reports and public speculation.
“As soon as news spread that salt may become unavailable, people began stockpiling. There’s no long-term shortage—just a temporary gap in supply for about three to seven days,” said Asela Bandara, Director of Consumer Affairs and Information at the CAA. He emphasized that the panic-driven demand has disrupted normal distribution and intensified the shortfall.
Over the past few days, queues have been seen at several retail outlets as consumers rushed to purchase large quantities of salt, driven by fears of prolonged unavailability.
The CAA assured the public that measures are being taken to stabilize the supply and curb exploitative pricing, urging consumers to remain calm and avoid hoarding.