Bread remains at $1,10

Government's call for bread retailers to revert to the old price of $1,10 for a loaf from the $2,10 as announced by Lobels on Friday was heeded by most retailers, although with alarming consequences.

Industry and Commerce minister Mangaliso Ndlovu on Friday night ordered bakeries to revert to the old price but economic analysts were quick to say that the reversal of the price meant that shortages are looming.

Economist Simbarashe Gwenzi told the Daily News on Sunday that shortages are looming due to the price ceiling that will impede business.

"Retailers want to meet demand and government intervention is a price ceiling below the desired earning price so there will be a decrease in bread quantity produced.
Therefore, shortages are looming as bakers try to keep their businesses afloat", Gwenzi said.

A survey by this newspaper yesterday showed that most shops were still selling bread at $1.10, though it was in short supply, while other baked products had significantly soared amidst the vanishing of other baked products.

Bread rolls are now pegged at $0,19 from $0,11 while meat pies are now pegged at $3,49 from about $1,49.

The bid to hike bread prices, however, has been anticipated for some time now due to the rising costs of production.

National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe president, Ngoni Mazango refused to comment on the issue.

The price of bread recently went up from $0,90 to $1,10 due to the shortage of wheat after Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe Chairperson, Tafadzwa Musarara had warned of the possibility.