Nasser Moraby: "A price of Rs 4.50 for homemade bread would be reasonable"

Nasser Moraby, the president of the Bakery Owners Association, believes that a price of Rs 4.50 for homemade bread would have been a more reasonable compromise, allowing the sector to operate "without stress" amidst rising costs. He highlights that bakers are facing a significant increase in the price of flour, which is now set at Rs 217.50, considerably reducing their profit margins. "With this new increase, our profit margins will be affected. We will request a meeting with the Ministry of Commerce and the State Trading Corporation to discuss how bakers can be relieved," he stated.

While he acknowledges the increase in the price of bread to Rs 3.90, he remains cautious. "We don’t fully agree, but we welcome this decision. The price of homemade bread hadn’t been reviewed since 2012." According to him, bakers only make a very limited margin. He explains that out of the Rs 1.30 increase, only a small portion actually benefits the bakers after deducting costs related to flour, MRA repayments, and the increase in diesel prices. "In the end, about 65 cents per loaf remains," he clarifies, warning that the upcoming rise in electricity prices could further worsen the situation. Despite these constraints, he assures that the supply of bread will continue normally for consumers.