The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will determine whether to remove the maximum retail price (MRP) for rice only after price stabilisation is achieved through imports, a report on Daily Mirror said.

Hemantha Samarakoon of the CAA told Daily Mirror that 90,000 tonnes of rice, including white and Nadu varieties, have been allocated for import until 10 January.

Responding to queries about a possible drop in the MRP following the imports, the chairman stated that no discussions have been held yet. “A decision will be made after assessing the situation post-imports,” he said, adding, “Once imports are completed, the shortage should be minimised, and further imports will not be necessary.”

He also emphasised that raids will continue, and fines will be imposed on vendors selling rice above the MRP.

Currently, the MRP for white rice is Rs. 215 per kilogram wholesale and Rs. 230 retail, while Nadu rice is set at Rs. 225 wholesale and Rs. 230 retail.