Bakery owners have requested tax concessions on butter imports during a meeting with officials at the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development today (26), citing challenges in shifting away from margarine containing palm oil.
The discussion focused on removing barriers to using butter instead of margarine, which bakery owners noted contains palm oil that is considered less healthy. Industry representatives requested government support, including tax relief on butter imports, to make the transition more affordable.
Officials informed bakery owners to submit a written request regarding tax revisions on butter imports for further consideration.
The meeting also discussed rising production costs following the recent fuel price revision, with bakery owners noting that many bakery ovens operate using diesel, increasing operational expenses.
Meanwhile, flour companies agreed not to increase wheat flour prices until after the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year period, providing temporary relief to the industry.
The special discussion was attended by Ministry Secretary K.A. Wimalenthirarajah, Consumer Affairs Authority Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon, ministry officials, and representatives of bakery owners’ associations.
Officials also assured continued government intervention to protect the local bakery industry while ensuring relief for consumers. (Newswire)