Johnston warns traders against hoarding

Ridma Dissanayake

Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said the government will not hesitate to import essential consumer items if traders resort to hoarding in the wake of the recent price cuts on several commodities.

"There is no room to create an artificial scarcity of essential items by resorting to hoarding and other malpractices due to the price decrease in a number of essential commodities," the minister said.

He said measures are in place to ensure there will be no shortage of essential food items in the market.Fernando said arrangements have been made to provide all commodities to consumers without problem. The minister said the government is ready to import essential goods if traders try to create an artificial shortage.