The Government imposed price control over retail and wholesale prices for rice with effect from midnight yesterday (April 16).

According to the yesterday’s gazette notification, one kilo samba will be offered with a maximum retail selling price set at Rs. 70. Nadu will be priced at Rs.65, Rathu Kekulu (Rs.65) and Sudu kekulu (Rs.55)

In the wholesale market one kilo of samba will be priced at Rs.63, Nadu (Rs.58), Rathu kekulu (Rs 58) and Sudu kekulu (Rs. 48).

Meanwhile, the Consumer Protection Authority has introduced a new hot line number to collect information regarding price of rice and to take proper action against arbitrary price increases.

The consumers can call the CPA over 011-2321696.

Providing fake information, failing to display the price, hiding rice with a view to increase the price, refusing to sell rice while stocks are available are punishable offences according to the Consumer Protection Act.