Deputy Minister of Trade R. M. Jayawardena has warned that Sri Lanka may experience a rise in the prices of imported goods due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in fuel transportation.

Speaking to the media today (15), the Deputy Minister explained that the current conflict affecting several parts of the world has created unavoidable pressures on global trade and logistics. These developments have particularly affected the transportation and distribution of fuel and other essential materials, which in turn could influence the cost of imports.

He noted that the price of crude oil has already increased to around US$ 100 per barrel, placing additional strain on international shipping and distribution networks. As a result, transportation costs may rise, and certain supply chain limitations could lead to higher import prices for goods entering Sri Lanka, Deputy Minister Jayawardena noted.

Despite these challenges, the government is taking steps to minimize the impact on the country. According to the Deputy Minister, authorities are actively working to ensure a continuous supply of goods to the local market.

One of the key measures being implemented is diversifying import sources, he stated. In addition to the countries from which Sri Lanka has traditionally imported goods, the government is now seeking new international suppliers in order to stabilize supply and prevent shortages.

Deputy Minister Jayawardena emphasized that these efforts aim to reduce the risk of scarcity of essential goods in the domestic market. However, he acknowledged that a certain level of price increase may be unavoidable due to global economic pressures and rising transportation costs.

The Deputy Minister also reassured the general public that the government remains closely monitoring the situation and will continue taking necessary measures to maintain the availability of goods while minimizing the impact on consumers as much as possible.