The price of imported essential goods may increase by Rs.4-5 per kilo from May 1 since the local importers will have to pay the THC (Terminal Handling Charges) which was earlier paid by the shipping companies located in the country where the goods are produced, the Essential Foods Importers’ Association said.

Its Spokesman Nihal Seneviratne said these fees were collected from the goods producing countries since 2012, but this system has been abolished by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.He said that the removal of these tariffs will not only affect the importers but also the exports.

Mr. Seneviratne said the importers and the officials of the Chambers of Commerce were scheduled to meet the President on April 19, but it was canceled at the last moment. He said that they hope to meet the President in the near future.