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 The country’s bakers have called on the Finance Minister, Mr Tendai Biti to reduce the import duty on flour, to avert artificial shortages of bread being experienced on the market and a looming bread price hike.
There is discord over the increase of duty on imported flour, with the country’s bakers differing on the issue of bread price hikes.
National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe President Dumisani Moyo says a price hike is inevitable as the increase in duty of flour and fuel, has greatly affected production.
Moyo also added that a hike will be prompted by local millers who have made a U-turn and hiked the price of locally produced flour.
“It's inevitable as operational costs have increased. The millers promised not to hike flour price and they reneged on their promise. Only if Biti reviews the duty can we avoid hiking the bread price,” said Moyo.
Bakers Association of Zimbabwe President Wellington Peyama however said no hikes will be entertained, but called on the finance authorities to review the import duty as it is the only way bakers can stay afloat and produce enough bread for the nation.
“The millers are the ones who have increased prices. We will not hike prices as bread is a basic need. We need a review on the duty imposed,” he said.
In England a loaf of bread costs an average 1,37 pounds, in the US it costs between $1 and $1,50 and in South Africa a loaf of bread costs between 75 and 95 cents.
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