The Price and Incomes Board has clarified that tea was taken off the price control list to ensure there would be a level playing field for manufacturers and dealers in the country.

Board Secretary, Lusi Naimawi reacting to calls from the Consumer Council to carefully study market behavior before removing items, said this was the only way they could ensure that there was growth in the private sector.

However, Naimawi stresses that though the price of tea is not under price control, it still remains on the zero VAT list and only the market will determine the price of Tea. Naimawi adds that the public does not pay VAT when they buy tea.

Naimawi adds that Bushells and Punjas Ceylon Tea were the only two tea brands that were available in the 100grms, 200grms and 500grms and since PIB noticed more and more brands appearing which were not on the price control list, it was only fair to take Tea off the list.

The Consumer Council had earlier mentioned that instead of a decrease there was an increase in the price of tea however, PIB said that the market determines the price of the product.

Tea was taken off the price control list in May this year.