It is reported that sugar businessmen have said that the price of a kilogram of brown sugar in the market has increased to 415 rupees as of yesterday (09) due to the increase in VAT by 18%.
Brown sugar is produced only from Palwatta and Sewanagala sugar factories and after a tender held yesterday (09), a kilogram of sugar was sold at 322 rupees.
Accordingly, the businessmen have pointed out that after the addition of eighteen percent (18%) VAT and 2.6% social security tax, the price of a kilogram of sugar has exceeded 390 rupees.
After they add their profit to it, a kilogram of brown sugar is sold for 415 rupees.
Meanwhile, a kilogram of imported white sugar is sold in the market at a price of 265 rupees.
Only 50 rupees import tax has been imposed on that sugar.
Accordingly, traders have mentioned that the price of a kilogram of imported white sugar is about 150 rupees lower than that of brown sugar.