• Egg producers sell at Rs. 50, CAA raids continue

BY Dinitha Rathnayake   Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Nalin Fernando said that the grant of a grace period of about one week for egg retailers to sell eggs above the control prices, owing to the fact that they had purchased such from producers at higher prices, is presently under consideration. Speaking to The Morning, Fernando added however that around 60 raids had already been conducted over selling above the maximum retail price, and that such raids would continue whilst the gazette issued setting the control price would not be reversed. Eggs would be sold at a price of Rs. 50, according to the All-Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association (ACEPA). Speaking to The Morning, ACEPA Secretary Ratnasiri Alahakoon said: “The egg shortage was created due to the control of the price. Egg sellers have no idea of the price that they should sell eggs at and they don't try to take steps to buy eggs due to the fear of a price decrease. This is not our fault. Poultry food prices have gone up by 400% so how are we supposed to provide eggs at the price of Rs. 10.” Alahakoon also warned of an egg shortage during the Christmas season if a maximum retail price is imposed. On 19 August, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) introduced new maximum retail prices for eggs effective immediately. The maximum retail price for a white egg is Rs. 43 while for a brown/red egg, it is Rs. 45. Meanwhile, the CAA has initiated raids in search of the vendors selling eggs beyond the maximum retail price. The officials said that the raids, which were carried out in several areas of the country on Tuesday (23) continued yesterday (24) as well. Six such places where eggs were sold at prices exceeding the maximum retail price have been identified in the Gampaha District, according to the officers of the Gampaha District Consumer Affairs Authority. The apprehensions were made in the areas of Udugampola and Negombo. Further, it is reported that 10 shops that have been selling eggs at high prices were sued during the raids conducted in the Balangoda and Kahawatta areas. Among these was a shop attached to Balangoda cooperative service. Associations of egg producers claimed that due to the high cost of production, they are unable to sell eggs at the price rates stipulated by the government. Meanwhile, the members of the All-Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association met Opposition amd Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa last morning (24) to discuss the problems they are facing at the moment due to the new price controls. They have informed the Opposition Leader that they find it difficult to sell eggs at the maximum retail prices announced in a recent gazette.