The Lanka Salt Company in Hambantota has announced a price hike for salt, citing increased costs of imported supplies.

The price of a 400-gram packet of salt powder has risen by Rs. 20, from Rs. 100 to Rs. 120, while a one-kilogram packet of crystal salt now costs Rs. 180, up by Rs. 60. However, the company emphasised that this is a temporary adjustment.

Sri Lanka requires around 20,000 metric tons of salt annually, but adverse weather in late 2023 impacted local production. To bridge the gap, the government authorised the temporary importation of 12,000 metric tons of salt from India.

Despite this measure, the State Trading Corporation insists that salt imports are not a long-term solution. With local production at the Hambantota Salt Works set to resume in March, a stable domestic supply is expected.