May 07, Colombo (LNW): The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has announced a fresh revision in food and beverage prices, with several popular menu items becoming more expensive from midnight today (07).
Under the new pricing adjustments, the cost of dishes such as Fried Rice, Biryani and Nasi Goreng has been increased by Rs. 25 at many eateries across the country.
The association also confirmed that tea prices would rise at restaurants and small food outlets operating with Laughs Gas cylinders, citing mounting operational costs linked to the recent increase in domestic LP gas prices.
According to Association Chairman Harshana Rukshan, nearly one-third of restaurants currently rely on Laughs gas supplies, and many business owners are struggling to absorb the higher fuel expenses without passing at least part of the burden on to customers.
As part of the revised pricing structure, plain tea has increased by Rs. 5, while a cup of milk tea will now cost Rs. 10 more at affected establishments. In addition, several varieties of short eats have also seen a Rs. 5 increase.
Despite the adjustments, the association stated that staple items such as egg rotis and parathas would remain at their existing prices for the time being in an effort to minimise the impact on regular customers.
Restaurant operators have warned that continued increases in utility and ingredient costs could place further pressure on the food service sector, particularly small and medium-sized businesses already facing shrinking profit margins amid the rising cost of living.