Somalia: Somaliland Rejects Bread Price Rise, Questions Bakers' Group's Legal Status
[Horn Diplomat] Hargeisa -- Somaliland's Ministry of Trade and Tourism has rejected a 20% rise in the retail price of bread announced by a bakers' association, saying the group is not registered with the ministry and lacks legal authority to represent bread producers.
Hargeisa — The Ministry of Trade and Tourism in Somaliland has declined a proposed 20% increase in the retail price of bread, asserting that the Bakers Association (SBA) is not legally registered and lacks authority to represent producers. The SBA had proposed that bakeries sell bread to shops for 2,500 Somaliland shillings, while shops would sell it to customers for 3,000 shillings, raising the retail price from its previous level of 2,500 shillings.
The association claimed the price hike was necessary due to challenging circumstances, though it did not elaborate further. The ministry, in a statement dated September 28, refused to endorse the increase, urging SBA representatives to clarify its legal status and adhere to ministry regulations. The ministry emphasized that higher bread prices, despite the global economic changes, would only exacerbate financial strain on households, particularly those with limited incomes.
The ministry maintains that an unregistered association cannot claim to represent businesses and warned that non-compliance could result in legal consequences. AllAfrica reports on various perspectives from over 90 news organizations and other sources, and readers with comments or concerns are encouraged to contact them.
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