The West Bengal Bakers Association has announced an upcoming increase in bread prices across the state, citing a severe financial crunch triggered by rising raw material costs and an ongoing fuel crisis. Bakery owners reported that over the past month, the price of flour has surged by Rs 600 per quintal, while sugar prices have reached Rs 1,000 per quintal. Additionally, edible oil costs have risen by Rs 800 per quintal, and packaging material prices have nearly doubled, leaving manufacturers with no choice but to adjust retail rates to sustain operations.
Under the revised pricing structure set to take effect in the general market from August 17, the price of a standard 400-gram (one pound) loaf of bread will increase by Rs 4, rising from Rs 32 to Rs 36. Consequently, the price of a half-pound (200 grams) loaf will see a Rs 2 hike, while a 100-gram plain bread loaf will cost Rs 10 after a Rs 1.5 increase. According to the association, bread prices were last revised on January 30, 2024, and have remained unchanged until this decision.
Bakery operators emphasized that without a price adjustment, several manufacturing units face potential closure due to mounting losses from unviable production costs. While the organization maintained that the revision is essential for the survival of local bakeries, the sudden rate increase on a daily breakfast essential is expected to place an added financial burden on middle-class households across the state.