Come January 1st, Saint Lucians can expect an increase in the cost of bread. Minister for Commerce Emma Hippolyte made the announcement via a press briefing this morning.
Government has been in discussion with the Bakers Association since October 2021. According to the minister, government considered the appeal of the Association and commissioned a review of the sector.
“Most persons would know that we have what we call controlled and uncontrolled bread and this statement today is to ensure that our bakers make a profit. We all know and you have been informed several times of the increase in prices and not only of the flour but of the various ingredients that goes into the bread; our negotiations with the bakers have come to a close. I want to remind you that especially for the controlled bread the last increase the bakers got was in 2008 so now 14 years later we have agreed to give them an increase,” Hippolyte stated.
“Effective January 1st, 2023 government has approved the increase in the price of controlled bread as follows: creole bread that used to be 35 cents will now be 45 cents; pan loaves that used to be $3.60 will now be $4.35 cents and the large pan loaves that used to be $5.40 will now be $6.50,” she added.
Government will continue to subsidize the cost of flour, however.
“From the 1st of January 2023 the bakers will pay $85.00 for a bag of flour. Don’t forget the government is paying $144.00 for the bag of flour; we are selling it to the bakers at $85.00 (white flour) and $90.00 for the whole wheat flour,” Hippolyte said.
