Essential food prices surge

Prices for essential food items in the country increased due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, according to traders and consumers.

While price hikes usually occur near the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, current market rates already show an upward trend influenced by Middle East regional tensions.

Alongside rising domestic fuel costs, the prices of several essentials, including imported lentils and coconut oil, climbed rapidly.

Traders at Dambulla private wholesale stores noted that a kilogram of lentils, previously priced between Rs. 230 and Rs. 240, now sells for between Rs. 310 and Rs. 315.

Some outlets reportedly sell a kilogram of lentils for as much as Rs. 350 to Rs. 360.

Additionally, the fuel price hike severely impacted the vegetable trade, with traders pointing out that vegetable prices also rose sharply as a result.