Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last month sparked fighting. Major wheat producers Russia and Ukraine have also been affected by the war, which has caused flour prices to rise twice in just three months. The last price increase was in January 2022, and again at the end of March by about 10%.
In an interview with China Daily, Zhuang Pozheng, chairman of the Johor Bread, Biscuits, Candy, Noodles, and Kway Teow United Chamber of Commerce, revealed that the price of bread in Malaysia is expected to be adjusted from April 1, and the grocery and catering industry will follow the market adjustment. The price increases between 10sen and 20sen, with a maximum increase of 30sen to 40sen.
A grocer, Muni, revealed that he had received an official letter from Mighty Bakery that from April 1, the price of most breads will be increased. Since the price is marked on the bread, they can only sell it at the original price, and will not absorb it by themselves, but will pass it on to consumers.
Zhang Changping, another tea restaurant operator, said that many things are increasing in price now, including butter and coffee, so he will decide the price according to the market, but he will not increase the price too far, otherwise he will be scolded by customers . .
At the same time, since the prices of ingredients have also started, some breads spread with peanut butter or cheese will also adjust the price, and the increase will be increased by 30sen to 40sen.
In fact, some businesses start their prices not purely to make money, but to get back their capital. An owner of a tea stall in a hawker center said in an interview that the price of 2 slices of white bread with butter kaya was sold at RM1.60 in January, which was much cheaper than those sold outside.
“Now the outside price has been raised to RM1.80, an increase of 20sen. The purpose is to get the capital back, otherwise it will be lost.”
“Now flour is going to go up by another 10%, maybe the price of bread will be raised again after April 1.”
In the face of flour prices, some operators are said to be dependent on the situation, if the price increase is outrageous, they will raise the selling price of bread. If each packet of flour just up 10sen to 20sen, the store operated by the operator will not raise the selling price of bread.
In response to the rising prices of flour and bread, many people have reported that it will increase the financial burden of poor families. Therefore, some people hope that the government can pay attention to the economic burden faced by vulnerable groups, find ways to control prices, and ensure that people’s welfare is guaranteed.
