The Egyptian Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade has released a new directive regarding the prices of tourist and fine bread, effective immediately. The directive, numbered 5 for the year 2026, outlines specific pricing based on the weight of the bread. This move comes after demands from the baking industry to adjust prices due to rising costs. The Ministry emphasized that the current prices remain in effect and warned bakeries against selling bread at higher prices or offering loaves weighing less than specified.
According to the directive, the maximum price for free-market tourist bread is set as follows: 80 grams for 2 Egyptian pounds, 60 grams for 1.5 pounds, and 40 grams for 1 pound. For fine bread, the prices are: 50 grams for 2 pounds, 40 grams for 1.5 pounds, and 30 grams for 1 pound. The Ministry stressed that bakeries must clearly display these prices for consumers to see. This step aims to bring transparency and fairness to the pricing of these bread types.
The Ministry of Supply has intensified its oversight campaigns on bakeries across various governorates. These campaigns aim to detect any violations related to pricing and weight, taking legal actions against non-compliant bakeries. The Ministry's move is a response to consumer complaints and market observations indicating irregularities in the sale of tourist and fine bread.
Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Ali Al-Sayed, affirmed that the Ministry will continue its strict monitoring of tourist and fine bakeries. This includes ensuring compliance with set prices and weights, and taking necessary legal actions against violators. The Minister also directed the regulatory and distribution sector, along with provincial supply departments, to enhance their monitoring of bakeries.
Despite the Ministry's directive, the Egyptian Bakery Association, part of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, has called for a review of current prices. They cite the increased cost of flour, which has risen from 17,000 pounds per ton to 21,500 pounds. This increase is attributed to global hikes in wheat prices and transportation costs. The Association's head, Khaled Fekri, mentioned that a meeting with the Minister of Supply resulted in a decision to postpone discussing potential price increases.
The Bakery Association's request for a price increase does not automatically imply that an increase has been approved. Any adjustment to prices would require a new official directive. Consumers are advised to report any violations regarding the price or weight of tourist and fine bread. This can be done through the Unified Government Complaints System (16528) or the Consumer Protection Agency's hotline (19588).
The Ministry encourages public participation in monitoring bread sales, ensuring that bakeries adhere to the regulations. By doing so, the Ministry aims to protect consumer rights and maintain fair market practices. The public's cooperation is seen as crucial in enforcing these directives and ensuring the availability of bread at regulated prices.
Key points
- The Ministry of Supply sets specific prices for tourist and fine bread based on weight.
- The directive aims to ensure fair pricing and transparency in the sale of bread.
- Consumers are encouraged to report any violations regarding bread prices and weights.
