The country is currently facing a scarcity of bread, as bakers failed to produce bread on Monday.
The National Bakers Union has however denied issuing such a directive to bakery owners, who decided to strangle production methods.
While discussions between the Union and the central government aim at addressing the rising price of bread and improving working conditions for bakers, many bakeries have decided to cease production of bread at this time.
Speaking to Senigambia on Monday, Lamin Dibba, the Secretary General of the National Bakers Union, clarified that no directives have been given to bakeries to halt production.
“No directives were issued by the Union to ask bakers to stop producing bread,” he said. “We are in discussion with the government, and based on the discussions, the Union will determine its position.”
He also emphasised that despite recent claims of unofficial price increase by some individuals, the price of bread remains fixed at 10 dalasis until an agreement is reached between the two parties.
“Depending on the outcome of our discussions with the Ministry of Trade, the price of bread will stay at 10 dalasis in the country,” Mr Dibba said.
Meanwhile, Ousman Camara, a resident of Busumbala and a website developer at Gamfront, expressed his frustration over the current bread scarcity.
“It is frustrating not to have bread; it is a staple for most people, especially for breakfast. Waking up without bread to start the day is challenging, both for me and for those who rely on bread for breakfast,” he stressed.
Describing scarcity as a serious concern, Ousman believes that implementing price control in the market could lead to more stable bread production. People are currently scrambling to find bread, with some walking long distances early on Monday morning to secure some loaves.
Therese Jarju, a resident of Latrikunda Sabiji, shared her experience of searching for bread, stating that she walked a long distance from one shop to another. She found it both exhausting and time-consuming, especially with a busy schedule ahead.
Legally no supplier should manipulate prices or delivery conditions in a way that disrupts the flow of supply for goods and services, thereby imposing unjustifiable costs or restrictions on consumers.
