The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security should have a proper plan in place for the upcoming festive season, stated the National Consumer Front (NCF).

Speaking to The Daily Morning, NCF Chairperson Asela Sampath said that the Government must identify essential commodities such as rice, vegetables, sugar, dhal, and flour, and take steps to ensure their prices remain stable throughout the festive period. “By now, prices of these goods have already increased. I don’t think that the Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Ministry has any plan in place for the festive season. They should prepare one soon,” he added.

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security, R.M. Jayawardhana was not available for comment. 

The festive season, which begins in late November and continues until early January next year (2026), is traditionally marked by increased consumer spending as people prepare for Christmas and the New Year. The period usually sees heightened demand for food, clothing, and household goods, leading to temporary price fluctuations across local markets. Over the years, consumers have faced sharp price hikes during festive times, especially in essential food items. Traders and wholesalers frequently attribute these increases to various reasons, but consumer rights groups have long called for stronger government intervention to prevent artificial price inflation and protect low- and middle-income households.