Egypt Stands Firm on Unsubsidized Bread Prices Amid Industry Demands
The Egyptian Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade reaffirmed its rules on unsubsidized bread prices and weights, citing the need to prevent unjustified increases. Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk met with bakery and grain-industry representatives for the second consecutive week to review flour availability, production costs, and market needs.
According to the ministry, inspections of private bakeries will continue to enforce prescribed prices and weights, taking legal action against violators. The move comes after demands by the General Division of Bakeries for a 15 percent increase in unsubsidized bread and fino prices, citing rising flour costs from EGP 17,000 to EGP 21,000 per ton.
Farouk said meetings with the General Division of Bakeries and the Chamber of Grain Industries will take place at least once a month to review wheat and flour supplies. The ministry also agreed to make wheat available regularly through the Egyptian Commodity Exchange for flour production sold on the open market, with quantities determined by market needs and demand.