Livestock farmers have raised concerns over the new prices increases by Bahrain Flour Mills,
which they say will force many of them out of business, leading to higher meat and poultry
prices.
This is going to negatively impact Bahrain’s food security, farmers warn, saying livestock sector
cannot withstand a price increase of 100% in one go.
Bran flour prices of Bahrain Flour Mills Company, farmers say, hiked 100% from BD 2.2 to BD
4.4 for 50kg bag.
It’s worth noting that a meeting last week between the government, the Shura Council and the
Council of Representative members, had postponed price increases for unsubsidised products
to three months for further study and discussions.
Sources confirm that on thursday farmers told a Parliamentary Services Committee on the
need to regulate bran flour sales at previous prices, ensuring no waste of government
subsidies.
Bahrain Flour Mills had told the Daily Tribune that their price increases will have zero impact on
subsidised products.
The company said it has maintained subsidised prices for accredited popular bakeries.
Farmers, sources say, are also concerned about black marketeers who are trying to make the
most out of the situation.
Some individuals are buying large quantities of bran flour, known locally as “shwar” and
hoarding it, then reselling it at inflated prices, they claim, calling for increased oversight and
stringent actions.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Awadhi, Chairman of the Parliamentary Services and Environment
Committee, confirmed that the committee listened to livestock farmers and traders on thursday
on ways to overcome the price hikes, particularly bran flour.
It earlier reported that the three month deferment, based on a proposal by the Council of
Representatives speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, faced opposition from some
members, who wanted to cancel the price increases ranging from 35% to 100% across most of
its flour products.