September 21, 2010

Sri Lankan government to control egg prices 

Sri Lanka's government has decided to recommend a controlled price for eggs if prices are further raised by creating an artificial shortage in the local market, said Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando.

The Minster said if any attempt is made to further increase the prices of eggs he will take steps to purchase eggs directly from poultry farmers by sending CWE lorries to their farms across the country and sell them at lower prices to the consumers through the Economic Centres, Laksathosa outlets and Co-operatives island wide.

Following the discussion held with poultry farmers last Saturday (Sep 18), the Minister said that they have agreed to supply a white egg and red egg at wholesale prices of Rs12 (US$0.14) and Rs12.5 (US$0.15) respectively.

He said that he had information that an artificial shortage is to be created to increase the price of eggs. "I will not hesitate to import eggs if any party tries to cheat the consumers by creating an artificial egg shortage. It is necessary to protect both consumers as well as local producers and I am committed to safeguard both parties," the minister said.

Meanwhile, the minister set up a new Sri Lanka Small and Medium Poultry Farmers Association in the Kurunegala district last Saturday (Sep 18).

A spokesman for the association said there is no egg shortage in the country and local farmers can supply the demand. He revealed that certain parties are trying to create an artificial shortage of eggs in the local market and this monopoly will be broken by the new association.