• Group says traders are exploiting disruptions caused by flooding
• Calls for measures to stabilise essential goods in crisis situations

The National Consumer Front (NCF) stated that vegetable prices had risen in the adverse weather conditions because the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security has continuously failed to establish a proper system to manage essential commodity prices during an emergency.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (30),NCF President, Asela Sampath said that prices of vegetables such as carrots and beans had increased over the past few days, adding that some traders were taking advantage of the situation to make quick profits. He further said that this was happening because there was no proper regulation or price-stabilising plan in place.

“The Government should have had a plan to provide essential goods at affordable prices during a crisis, but the Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Ministry and the Consumer Affairs Authority have failed to prepare for such a situation. There is no plan, no direction, and no understanding of what is coming. That is why this has happened. At this point, all we can do is ask the people not to buy anything being sold at exorbitant prices,” he said.

The rise in vegetable prices comes at a time when a shortage is expected, with widespread flooding and landslides damaging plantations across several major agricultural regions. The supply situation has been further affected by panic buying in Colombo and other major cities, where many people purchased large stocks of goods fearing further disruptions.

The Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security, Wasantha Samarasinghe was not available for comment. 

Meanwhile, the Trade, Commerce, and Food Security has assured the public that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the country. In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry stated: "While floods have temporarily disrupted transportation and distribution channels in some districts, causing short-term delays—including the supply of upcountry vegetables—replenishment is ongoing. Government and private sector agencies involved in importation, wholesale, storage, transport, and retail are working to maintain a smooth flow of essential goods."

The Ministry also called on the public to exercise responsible consumer behaviour and avoid panic buying or stockpiling, noting that purchasing more than necessary strains supply chains, creates artificial shortages, and hinders relief efforts for flood-affected families. In addition, the Ministry emphasised the importance of ethical and fair trading practices, warning importers and traders against hoarding, price gouging, spreading false information, or creating artificial scarcity.