Eswatini bread prices to increase by 4.23% in October

The Eswatini Cabinet has approved a 4.23% increase in the regulated price of bread, effective October 1. The decision follows a formal request from the Eswatini Bakers’ Association citing rising operational and input costs.

Under the new pricing, the maximum retail price for an 800g white loaf will rise from E17.90 to E18.66, while an 800g brown loaf will increase from E15.60 to E16.26. For 700g loaves, the white bread price will move from E16.36 to E17.05, and brown bread will rise from E14.64 to E15.26.

Sonto Hlophe, Chief Commercial Officer at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, stated that the adjustment is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the local bakery sector. The association attributed the financial pressure to escalating costs for flour, premix, utilities, and fuel. Rising fuel prices, influenced by geopolitical tensions, have significantly impacted both production and the distribution of bread throughout the kingdom.