Pettah importers say that the wholesale prices of most of the essential food items have increased by between Rs. 50-60.

They point out that the shortage of dollars, especially in commercial banks, has made it very difficult to import essential goods.

They also said that the US dollar is currently hovering between 203 and 213 rupees and that it is very difficult to obtain dollars.

Importers say the current situation will not prevent a shortage of essential food items in the market in the future.