Bread Shortage Remains Problematic

The shortage of bread remains an issue in Zimbabwe as talks between millers, bakers and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) are yet to produce a permanent solution.

263Chat gathered that by Monday morning, millers were still not sure as at when the situation will normalise citing prolonged talks with Central Bank and bakers. Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe spokesperson Garikai Chaunza said:

Wheat stocks have drastically declined and we are in communication with the Reserve of Zimbabwe to unlock wheat consignments which are in Beira and Harare. We are also constantly updating our key stakeholders who include bakers on the obtaining situation.

We are also jointly working with the bakers in engaging the authorities on a number of issues that would improve bread supplies.

Last Thursday, GMAZ vice-chair Masimba Dzomba stated that the country was left with a month’s supply of wheat stocks. This comes at a time when Zimbabwe has been experiencing challenges in payment of essential products since late last year.

Wheat production has been poor lately and locally produced wheat has failed to meet the yearly required minimum of about 450 000 tonnes. Consequently, Zimbabwe has become an importer of commodities it used to produce in abundance.

Bread supply suddenly shrank on the market last week as wheat stocks receded while foreign currency reserves needed to refill stocks remain scarce.

Overnight bakeries have emerged in Harare producing substandard bread that is being sold at between  $4.50 and $5.00 against the retail recommended price of $ 3.50 per loaf.

More: 263Chat