As from Monday the price of the Maltese loaves went up by two cents, while the small ones increased by one cent. This decision was taken after several meetings between the government and the Bakers’ Cooperative. In a press release, the Competitiveness and Communications Ministry stated that the substantial increase in the price of flour could not be ignored.
At first, the Cooperative’s request was made to make up for the losses bakers were suffering through the rise in price of paraffin and flour. The price of flour increased by 60 cents per every 50kg sack.
During the discussions the size of Maltese loaves and the quality were also discussed. The ministry also said that at the beginning of 2005, the government is expected to discuss and possibly liberalise the baker’s market to allow bakers to operate in a competitive environment. According to the press statement, in a meeting which was held on the 24th December, the Bakers’ Cooperative agreed with the government’s position.
The increase, which came about through price order which is regulated by the government will be the last of its kind since as from 2005 the baker’s market will be liberalized and allow bakers to operate in a competitive environment.
See also:
Price of Maltese loaf to increase by a further 2 cents
By Ruth Davies - Dec 26, 2004, 11:33 CET
See also:
"Agreement" reportedly reached with bakers
By MaltaMedia News - Dec 24, 2004, 16:26 CET
Bakers demand government to cover additional loaf costs
By Ruth Davies
Dec 21, 2004, 17:50 CET
