It is a well-known fact that pav or bread is considered amongst the staple diet for Mumbaikars. However, in a major concern, the prices of types of bread and pav has been witnessing a spike since the last few months.
Vendors have also blamed rising commodity prices, transportation and labour fees for the rise in bread prices. Bread prices have increased by about INR 10-15 in the last 18 months.
Bread is made from either wheat or flour (refined flour, which is ground, refined and bleached without condiment).
Though with the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupting global wheat trade and the procurement of wheat dipping down this year due to hosts of reasons and the prices of wheat flour (Atta) is an all-time high in last one decade at INR 50 per Kilogram in Mumbai. Now union government banning export of the grain with immediate effect it is likely to stabilize the prices of wheat.
Meanwhile, the escalating effect of the heatwave on wheat production has led the Centre to ban exports.
Earlier, traders said that the wheat prices had declined to INR 2350/quintal in Mumbai after the rumors about the export ban started making rounds. After the government clarified that there is no plan to stop exports, the wheat prices have jumped back to INR 2450/quintal.
At present, wheat is being sold ta INR 2750/quintal in Mumbai.
Therefore, customers buying bread at kirana shops were surprised with another price hike this week.
A resident of Andheri, Roshni Divecha shared: “The surge in prices of bread is a big blow to a city like Mumbai since the item is a staple in nearly every household. Across economic spectrums people consume this product. However, the rise in bread prices could have a greater adverse impact on the lower income group. Since it burns a bigger hole in their pocket. The government should step in to address this problem.”
On the other hand, Vrushali Kalekar, who is business analyst personnel, stated: “Pav/ bread the most staple food of Indians, especially Mumbaikars as we consume it in every form fast food eaten by us but in varied forms such as pav bhaji, bhajji pav, vada pav, bhurji pav, bun maska and so on. It can be said that pav or bread is an integral part of livelihood for those depending on such budgeted street food. The government should really look into budgeting food items keeping in mind the demand and supply and also the income ratio of our country. Apart from this, prices of fuel, oil and vegetables have also seen a spike. The current inflation, will surely hit the lower income group or daily wage worker who suffice their hunger with this humble bread. In literal sense, that is their bread and butter. The surge in the prices will surely impact the consumption leaving with an option to middle class start to skip or find an alternate.”
Raj Kumar, a member of the Indian Bakers’ Federation, said that the average price of a 400g bread pack is now between INR 23 and INR 54, depending on the brand.
He also mentioned that the basic cost of all commodities have increased, including two main raw ingredients used in bread, wheat and fats (edible oil). Even petrol prices for transportation of goods and labour charges have risen, he said, adding that this ultimately constitutes the price of bread.
Contrary to this, several people believe that such minimal hikes would affect people at large.
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