– urges that consumers not be affected
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has urged local bakers to try as best as possible to avoid the trickle down effect which the Guyanese consumer could face as a result of rising flour prices on the regional and international market.
His appeal came after meeting bakers yesterday, a few weeks after engaging in discussions with local millers who were seeking to negotiate an increase in flour prices.
The National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) had proposed a 15 percent increase on the price for flour but President Jagdeo wanted no more than a 10 percent increase and made his preferences known to them.
Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Mr. Manniram Prashad who was also part of yesterday’s meeting said NAMILCO’s Managing Director Bert Sukhai heeded the President’s preference and is reconsidering the price increase.
According to the Minister, bread prices should increase by a mere $5 or $10 for bakers who purchase from NAMILCO while at other bakeries, prices will remain the same.
Government has lifted all restrictions, for the importation of flour but will carefully monitor the importation at the level of the food and drugs department and the Bureau of Standards.
Faced with a similar situation of flour price increase in 2008, a government subsidy came into effect and was removed when flour prices returned to normal.
The drought in China, coupled with the turmoil in the Middle East and oil prices have all been fingered as factors influencing the increase in flour prices.
Bakery giant Bakewell imports flour from Trinidad and Tobago and some other bakeries from Jamaica, hence there will be no increase by these companies, Minister Prashad said.(GINA)