The price of a standard loaf of bread has been raised from $1.40 to $2.60 or US$0.90. Bakers cited rising production costs and the government’s failure to support the sector.
The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) revealed that the sharp price hike has nothing to with the supply of flour. In a statement, GMAZ spokesperson Garikai Chaunza said:
These bread price increases are, however, not in any way associated with flour cost-drivers as the product (flour) supply price to bakers has remained constant.
Flour supplies to bakers have, however, remained suppressed due to the non-availability of foreign currency to bring in imported wheat, which is still held in Beira.
The price of bread has been raised several times over the past few months. Less than a year ago, a standard loaf of bread cost $0.90.