Threat to Bread Supply: Bakers Give Government a One-Week Deadline
Bakers across Mauritius have assured the public that bread will be available this Monday. The Bakery Owners Association has granted the government a final one-week extension to address the price review of bread. Nasser Moraby, the president of the association, previously warned in a statement to Défi Media Group that without a decision, bread production could be suspended on Monday, April 6. Bakers were awaiting a strong signal from the Cabinet regarding this sensitive issue, but no announcement was made following the meeting on Friday, April 3.
In light of this lack of decision, the Bakery Owners Association has decided to give the government a one-week reprieve. "Production will continue this Monday, as the government has not made a decision on the price. We are giving them another week," Nasser Moraby told Défi Plus on Friday. He also expressed his willingness to meet with the three minister members of the inter-ministerial committee - Aadil Ameer Meea, Ashok Subron, and Michael Sik Yuen - to discuss the matter. "We have already submitted our costing. If the ministers are ready to discuss, we are available," he added.
The bakers justify their request for a price increase due to the surge in production costs. Diesel, in particular, heavily impacts their expenses. "We are doubly affected: diesel is used to power the burners during bread baking, as well as for transportation and distribution across the country," they explain. This increase would already represent a rise of about 5 cents per loaf, not including other charges. Additionally, there are rising wages, electricity costs, and raw material expenses. "Despite these increases, the price of homemade bread has remained unchanged at Rs 2.60 for 14 years," they point out.
The situation is deemed concerning by the bakers. Since 2023, at least 36 bakeries have closed their doors. Bakers warn that more closures are likely if no measures are taken promptly. Currently, they are requesting a revision of the homemade bread price to Rs 4.78, compared to Rs 2.60 now. Meanwhile, the government is considering a compromise around Rs 3.50.
While waiting for an official decision, production continues... at least for another week.
