Bread Prices Increase 100 Percent

Bread loaves witnessed a 100 percent increase in some bakeries and supermarkets in the capital without any justification or increase in wheat and flour prices. The bread loaf bought for YR 10 in the past is now sold at YR 20.

Dozens of angry demonstrators marched on Saturday to the presidential palace on 60th Street in Sana'a, protesting against the unjustified increase of loaf prices.

In return, Yemeni security forces were summoned to the area and they along with presidential guards used batons to disperse demonstrators who rallied outside the presidency house.

Early last week, Oil and Mineral Ministers denied any increase in the price of oil and its derivatives; however, he insinuated that any future increase will be preceded by salary increase. Observers believe that the increase in bread is a start for the upcoming price dose that will effect most food items.

For his part, Minister of Trade and Industry Yahya Al-Mutawkel called citizens to resort to brown bread loaf and pointed out its benefits for health, hinting it helps bridge the food gap.

World Food Program (WFP) recently warned that current price rises mean that the world’s poorest people will have to spend a larger proportion of their income on food. This may mean they will buy less food, or food that is less nutritious, or may have to rely on outside help to fulfill their nutritional needs.