Bakers' ultimatum on bread price rise

The bakers' cooperative yesterday gave the government a week's ultimatum saying that unless the burden of additional expenses which they say has plagued them is lightened, they will have no other option but to raise the price of a Maltese loaf from 19c to 21c. The price of the small loaf would go up by one cent to 13c. The cooperative represents 150 out of 165 bakeries.

Cooperative president Karmenu Micallef said last night that bakers cannot possibly survive when the price of fuel keeps rising.

The bakers calculated the price rise after taking into account the electricity surcharge and the hike in the price of flour which three weeks ago shot up by 33 cents per sack of 50 kilos and the cost of living rise they have to pay out to workers.

Additionally, from yesterday, the cost of light fuel oil bakers use to fire ovens has gone up by six mils per litre.

"For the past five months, we have been having talks with the authorities to whom we presented a set of proposals on how the cost that bakers are having to face can be cut.

"In spite of our efforts, none of our proposals were accepted. One proposal suggested that the government waives the electricity surcharge and keeps fuel prices in check," Mr Micallef said.

The price of the Maltese loaf went up by 1c to 17c last August and to 19c last January.

"Since the last rise, sales of the Maltese loaf have dropped by 20 per cent. So for us, to push up the price again will only be the final option."

He added that the price of fancy bread would also have to go up.