Colombo, Sri Lanka – October 1, 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today released its daily price report for October 1, 2026, indicating a mixed bag of price movements across key commodity markets. While some essential vegetables and fish varieties saw declines due to favourable supply, consumers experienced increases in other staples like tomatoes, carrots, and coconuts, largely driven by supply constraints.
Vegetable Market Sees Divergent Trends
The vegetable market presented a varied picture across major trading hubs. Carrot prices in the Dambulla market registered an increase, climbing from Rs. 195.00 to Rs. 205.00 per kilogram, attributed to the availability of high-quality varieties. Similarly, tomato prices surged in both Pettah and Dambulla markets, with retail prices reaching Rs. 650.00 (from Rs. 600.00) and Rs. 555.00 (from Rs. 455.00) respectively. This significant hike was primarily due to limited supply originating from Embilipitiya and Hanguranketha areas.
In contrast, cabbage offered some relief to consumers, with its price declining in the Pettah market from Rs. 400.00 to Rs. 350.00 per kilogram. This positive trend was a result of favourable supply from Malsiripura and Nuwara Eliya regions. However, lime prices in Dambulla rose from Rs. 880.00 to Rs. 980.00 per kilogram, experiencing an upward swing due to restricted supply from Anuradhapura and Mahiyanganaya.
Fish Prices Witness Significant Declines
The fish markets brought good news for consumers, with several popular varieties recording notable price drops. Wholesale prices for Hurulla declined significantly in both the Peliyagoda and Negombo fish markets. In Peliyagoda, Hurulla fell from Rs. 1,200.00 to Rs. 1,000.00 per kilogram, while in Negombo, it dropped from Rs. 950.00 to Rs. 800.00 per kilogram. This favourable movement was attributed to an improved supply from the Northern coastal areas.
Other fish varieties also saw decreases in wholesale prices in Peliyagoda, with Kelawalla dropping from Rs. 1,800.00 to Rs. 1,500.00, Thalapath from Rs. 2,200.00 to Rs. 2,000.00, and Balaya from Rs. 900.00 to Rs. 850.00 per kilogram. Imported Sprat also saw price reductions in both wholesale (Peliyagoda: Rs. 1,217.00 to Rs. 1,190.00) and retail (Negombo: Rs. 1,425.00 to Rs. 1,375.00) markets.
Other Essential Commodities: Mixed Movements
Among other essential commodities, coconut prices in the Dambulla market increased from Rs. 115.00 to Rs. 130.00 per nut, driven by limited supply from the Kurunegala area. Local Red Onion and Big Onion varieties also saw slight increases in wholesale prices in Pettah, moving from Rs. 374.00 to Rs. 400.00 and Rs. 258.00 to Rs. 270.00 per kilogram, respectively.
Conversely, some price relief was observed in local potatoes, with wholesale prices in Dambulla declining from Rs. 235.00 to Rs. 185.00 per kilogram. Coconut oil also experienced a wholesale price reduction in Pettah, dropping from Rs. 796.00 to Rs. 752.00 per litre.
Rice Market Stability with Minor Shifts
The rice market generally maintained stability, though with minor fluctuations. Nadu rice saw a slight increase in wholesale price in Pettah (Rs. 195.00 to Rs. 197.00 per kilogram) but a decrease in Dambulla (Rs. 190.00 to Rs. 187.00 per kilogram). Kekulu (White) rice experienced marginal wholesale price increases in both Pettah (Rs. 181.00 to Rs. 185.00) and Dambulla (Rs. 180.00 to Rs. 184.00) markets.
The daily price report underscores the dynamic interplay of supply chain factors, regional availability, and consumer demand shaping the cost of living for Sri Lankan households. Monitoring these trends remains crucial for understanding the broader economic landscape.
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