KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The new ceiling price for cooking oil isexpected to be known after the Chinese New Year, said Domestic Trade andConsumer Affairs Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said this would be after the ministry had had discussions with thePrimary Industries Ministry and cooking oil producers.

There might be a slight increase in the ceiling price even with thesubsidy provided by the government, he told reporters after visiting the"Pasar Ramadan" at Jalan Kuching here.

He said the retail prices for cooking oil remained at RM2.50 per kg inpolythene packets and RM3.50 per kg in containers even though the cost ofcrude palm oil had increased from RM1,400 to RM1,890 a tonne.

Muhyiddin said the ministry would also suggest to the Primary IndustriesMinistry to impose cess on palm oil producers as part of efforts tostabilise prices.

Muhyiddin also said 11 items would be inclued in the ministry's pricecontrol list in conjunction with the coming Hari Raya Puasa.

These would be chicken, local beef, imported beef, "kembong hitam" fish,eggs, long beans, cabbages, red chillies, grated coconut, shallots andpotatoes, he said.

He said the retail or ceiling prices would be announced on Nov 12 andwould be applicable one week before and after the Hari Raya Puasa.

He said the ministry had been assured by all parties concerned that therewould be enough supply of these items during the festival.

-- BERNAMA