The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a stern warning to bakery owners, stating that a controlled price will be enforced on bread next week if a 450g loaf exceeds a maximum retail price of Rs. 130.
Sanjaya Irasinghe, CAA’s Raids and Special Investigations Director, announced to the media that concessions on electricity and fuel have been provided, and these benefits should be passed on to consumers through reduced bread prices.
“Prior to the price reductions, a loaf of bread retailed at Rs. 140. Post-reduction, it should be Rs. 130. However, in some areas, bread was sold at Rs. 150, and now it’s Rs. 140. This is unacceptable. The retail price of bread must be uniform at Rs. 130,” Irasinghe stated.
The CAA has communicated to traders and bakeries that bread should be sold at a maximum retail price of Rs. 130. This directive has been disseminated through the media.
“We will inspect prices this week. If the price is not lowered, the CAA will impose a controlled price for bread by next week. Non-compliance will result in fines of Rs. 100,000 for bakery owners and traders, with fines for large-scale companies or bakeries starting at Rs. 500,000 and reaching up to Rs. 5 million,” Irasinghe warned.
He urged bakery owners and traders to pass the benefits of reduced fuel and electricity prices to consumers, rather than maximizing profits. If not, the CAA will investigate and announce a controlled price, considering manufacturing costs and a reasonable profit margin.