Colombo Food Costs Surge in June 2025

The average food bill for a Colombo household rose by Rs 2,461.81 in June 2025 compared to the same month last year.

The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) attributes the spike primarily to soaring prices of coconuts, fresh sea fish, and salt.

Top Price Hikes:

Coconuts: +Rs 2,001.35

Fresh sea fish: +Rs 940.01

Salt: +Rs 403.56

Other notable increases:

Coconut oil (+Rs 437.50)

Vegetables (+Rs 252.37)

Dried fish, green chilies, rice, turmeric, and tamarind also saw triple-digit hikes.

Persistent Trends:

Coconut and rice prices have recorded triple-digit year-on-year increases for 12 consecutive months.

Salt prices have surged for four straight months.

Beyond Food:

Non-food essentials also rose:

Education: +Rs 431.31

Home repairs: +Rs 326.62

Healthcare: +Rs 244.18

Clothing, rent, and dining out also saw moderate increases.

Inflation Note:

Despite rising costs, overall inflation in Colombo fell by 0.6% in June—marking the fourth consecutive month of decline.

(source ceylontoday.lk)