The bread crisis in Tunisia: a worrying situation that divides
Since the statement by the President of the Republic of Tunisia, the country has been plunged into an unprecedented bread crisis. The government has expressed its desire to make subsidized bread accessible to all Tunisians, which has led to a series of measures and reactions in the field of baking.
Some modern bakeries have suspended production, sparking government outrage. These bakeries are accused of inflating prices and mixing flour to avoid selling the subsidized baguette at the price set by the state. This situation has created confusion among consumers, who struggle to find the subsidized baguette at the right price, and calls into question confidence in the subsidy system.
Queues for bread are increasing in certain areas, such as in the Ariana district, where Tunisians have to wait from 8 a.m. to hope to get their bread. The testimonials of dissatisfied customers are multiplying, denouncing the poor quality of the products and the price variations imposed by the bakeries.
Faced with this alarming situation, the government has decided to take a tough stance against unclassified bakeries, which offer a variety of special breads in addition to the subsidized baguette. Stocks of flour and semolina have been redirected to classified bakeries, with the aim of controlling production and guaranteeing the stable supply of subsidized bread.
However, this measure raises questions about the sustainability of this flour supply. Tunisia is largely dependent on wheat imports, and the country’s financial difficulties could make it difficult to pay suppliers. In addition, traditional bakeries have not received their compensation for more than a year and a half, aggravating tensions in the sector.
The bread crisis in Tunisia highlights the challenges the country faces in ensuring a steady supply of subsidized bread