Addressing a media conference held at the UNP headquarters, Ports and Shipping Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said that when the fuel price is increased, businessmen and other services increase prices unreasonably, greatly inconveniencing the general public. Hence, the Economic Council has decided to intervene in controlling the prices of goods and service in order to protect the consumer.

He noted that the Economic Council had taken a decision to implement new laws at its recent meeting and necessary measures would be taken through the Consumer Affairs Authority. This responsibility had been entrusted to the Finance Ministry.