A severe shortage of salt is disrupting bakery production across Sri Lanka, leading to potential shortages of essential bakery items such as bread and buns, industry officials have warned.
According to the All Ceylon Bakery Owners Association (ACBOA), the salt scarcity is having a significant impact on both bakery manufacturers and the hotel industry, causing major logistical challenges for producers.
Issuing a statement, ACBOA President N.K. Jayawardena highlighted the difficulties bakery owners are facing in securing enough salt for daily operations.
“Bakery manufacturers and hotel owners are being forced to spend significant time and resources sourcing salt from various shops and supermarkets. In many cases, workers and vehicles are being dispatched to travel between different locations in search of the essential ingredient,” Jayawardena said.
The salt crisis has become particularly problematic for large-scale bakery operations. Jayawardena revealed that some bakeries require up to 200 kilograms of salt daily to maintain their production levels.
“This shortage is not only impacting production but will also likely lead to increased prices and a potential scarcity of products in the future,” he added.
The issue has raised concerns among consumers, who could see the ripple effects of the crisis in the form of higher bread and bun prices or reduced availability of these staple items.
Bakery owners fear that if the salt shortage persists, it may further strain the food supply chain and contribute to broader inflationary pressures in the market.
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