Calls have been made for an urgent crackdown on bakeries accused of exploiting Bahrain’s subsidised flour scheme by dramatically increasing the prices of bread after adding minor ingredients.
MP Dr Muneer Suroor has urged the Consumer Protection Directorate at the Industry and Commerce Ministry to investigate what he described as unjustified price hikes on ‘enhanced’ bread products, warning that some bakeries were taking advantage of government support intended to keep staple food affordable.
“The additives being used, such as milk, sesame seeds or colouring, do not justify multiplying the price several times over,” Dr Suroor said.
He called on the ministry to introduce clear pricing guidelines and reasonable price ranges that would protect consumers while ensuring fair competition between bakeries.
The Northern Governorate Constituency Seven (Demistan, Janabiya, Buri, Qarayah and parts of Hamala) MP stressed that subsidised flour was provided to guarantee affordable bread for the public and should not become a means for excessive profits.
“Government support for flour and bread was introduced to ensure that citizens and residents have access to this essential commodity at affordable prices, reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to food and social security,” he said.
“However, we are seeing violations with our own eyes in some bakeries, making firm action necessary to stop these practices.”
Dr Suroor noted that Bahrain’s laws prohibit the resale of subsidised flour because it is allocated for public benefit and plays an important role in maintaining food security and social stability.
He alleged that some bakeries circumvent the spirit of the subsidy by producing premium versions of bread with simple additions before charging several times the normal price.
He also called on consumer protection inspectors to ensure bakeries adhere to reasonable pricing, take action against businesses imposing unjustified prices and require outlets to display prices and product weights clearly so customers can compare products before making purchases.
In addition, he urged authorities to publish regular compliance reports and announce enforcement measures taken against offending bakeries to strengthen public confidence and ensure government subsidies reach their intended beneficiaries.
Commenting on the issue, Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said the concerns warranted a thorough investigation in co-ordination with the Industry and Commerce Ministry.
“There have been previous cases where the size of the traditional khobooz was reduced and the ministry intervened,” he said.
“If there are complaints that subsidised bread or flour support is being misused through excessive price increases, the matter should be investigated carefully to protect consumers while ensuring businesses comply with the regulations.”
The standard Bahraini khobooz disc, produced with subsidised flour, is sold for 20 fils, with the subsidy designed to keep one of the kingdom’s most important staple foods affordable for all.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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