The KRG ordered the Ministries of Natural Resources and Trading and Industry “to decrease prices of liquid gas for the bakeries in cooperation with gas production companies, contractors and factories, and the Ministry of Electricity to reduce electricity prices by 20% for bakeries,” it said in a statement.
The Ministry of Finance was also ordered to submit a proposal to review customs fees imposed on flour imports at the border in order to reduce the price.
Sulaimani bakers last week raised the price of bread by 33 percent, selling six pieces for 1,000 dinars ($0.68) when previously customers could buy eight pieces for the same price. Bakers said the increase was to offset higher costs for fuel and imported flour, which is more expensive on international markets because of slashed projections for the global wheat crop.
The KRG said it would take undefined measures to assist flour mills “on the condition these factories put their products in the Kurdistan Region markets as soon as possible and with a reasonable price.”
Bakers unhappy with the higher costs last week gathered in front of the worker's syndicate and warned they could have to close down their bakeries. They demanded some electricity and fuel assistance, and a reduction in taxes and customs tariffs.
Sulaimani’s mayoral office ordered bread prices to remain at the lower price.
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