The bread crisis in Tunisia: an alarming situation for traditional bakeries
A crisis is currently shaking the sector of production and distribution of subsidized bread in Tunisia. Due to suspicions of monopoly and speculation on the subsidized food market, the president of the bakery chamber was recently arrested, causing serious concern among consumers and professionals in the sector.
Since the beginning of the month, long queues have formed in front of bakeries, testifying to an upheaval in the functioning of the sector. The authorities claim to have seized large quantities of subsidized products during checks, highlighting the dubious practices that have affected the bread market in Tunisia.
The bread crisis is notably due to the authorities’ decision to redirect subsidized flour quotas to traditional bakeries to the detriment of so-called modern bakeries, which until then produced baguettes and special breads. This redistribution of quotas created an imbalance in the supply and impacted the availability of subsidized bread, thus jeopardizing the population’s access to this essential product.
However, behind these problems of monopoly and speculation, one question remains: is the supply of flour sufficient to meet the growing demand? Tunisia depends on nearly 80% of its wheat imports, and the country is encountering more and more difficulties in paying its suppliers. This bread crisis thus reveals a broader problem linked to the supply of raw materials and the management of the resources necessary for the production of bread.
Faced with this alarming situation, traditional bakeries are doing their best to meet the growing demand for subsidized bread. However, the so-called modern bakeries find themselves deprived of flour, which leads to strikes and additional difficulties in the sector.
It is urgent that the authorities take concrete measures to resolve this bread crisis, by ensuring an adequate supply of flour and putting an end to the practices of monopoly and speculation in the market. This situation jeopardizes access to essential food for the Tunisian population and requires rapid and effective action.
In conclusion, the bread crisis in Tunisia highlights the challenges facing the food production and distribution sector in the country. It is essential that the authorities take priority measures to ensure a regular supply of flour and guarantee the population’s access to basic foodstuffs such as bread. This crisis must be treated with seriousness and determination, in order to preserve the security and well-being of Tunisian citizens