In Shops and Snack Bars: Increased Prices for Stuffed Breads
Image: A variety of stuffed breads displayed on a counter in a local shop, with price tags visible.
- Some vendors have raised prices by Rs 5
- Certain vendors will adjust their prices at the end of the month
The recent rise in household gas prices, along with the increase in bread costs, has led many shops and snack bars to reassess the prices of their stuffed breads. This price hike has already taken effect since Monday at some vendors, while others are opting to wait until the end of the month to adjust their rates.
At Ti Baz Manzer in Pointe-aux-Sables, managed by Madison Armel, certain stuffed breads now cost Rs 5 more. According to Armel, the increase was unavoidable: "I had to raise the price of some of my stuffed breads by Rs 5. Everything has gone up, especially gas and the cost of bread itself." For example, roasted chicken bread has increased from Rs 75 to Rs 80, while the sautéed chicken bread has gone up from Rs 70 to Rs 75. The Tikka bread now costs Rs 85 instead of Rs 80.
Madison Armel explains that profit margins are shrinking. "Profits are minimal. If I don't raise my prices, I'm operating at a loss. Being a small business that just started a month ago, the situation is even more challenging. I have to double my efforts to keep up," she emphasizes. Despite this, she tries to limit the impact on her customers: "I've kept some prices unchanged to avoid putting more pressure on my clients," she adds.
Meanwhile, at Gool Square in Beau-Bassin, while an immediate increase is not planned, it seems inevitable. "An increase is not expected right away, but it is possible by the end of the month. We don't really have a choice; it's an additional cost to absorb," they state.
A similar situation is observed at Étape Gourmande in Quatre-Bornes, where a price revision is under consideration. "Costs keep rising. We will have to increase our prices, probably in the coming weeks," says the manager.
A food stall manager in Port-Louis describes an even more strained situation: "It's not just the bread. Many products have increased," he explains. Faced with this widespread price rise, he has even had to temporarily suspend his operations. "I closed temporarily to evaluate my costs. Between gas, raw materials, supermarket products, and now bread, expenses have significantly increased. It’s no longer sustainable. I’m even considering changing my business altogether," he explains.
With rising costs and shrinking margins, small businesses are struggling to absorb the new expenses and say they have no choice but to pass them on to consumers.
Prices of Stuffed Breads:
- Curry Bread: Rs 90
- Salad Bread with Chili Cake: Rs 50
- Tikka Bread: Rs 85
- Meat Bread: Rs 175 to Rs 250
- Sautéed Chicken Bread: Rs 75
- Vegetarian Bread: Rs 80 to Rs 85
- Fish Vindaye Bread: Rs 135
- Cuttlefish Vindaye Bread: Rs 160
- Chicken Chop Soy Bread: Rs 145
*Prices may vary depending on the vendor.