Supply Ministry adds wheat to exchange to curb unsubsidized bread costs
Egypt's Supply Ministry will release wheat on the national commodity exchange, aiming to lower flour prices and ease bakery profit pressures.
In response to grain and bakery industry pleas for higher bread prices, the Supply Ministry plans to supply wheat via the Egyptian Commodities Exchange, limiting sales to 500 tonnes per mill and holding two trading sessions each week. The ministry targets a price of LE16,500-LE16,700 per tonne, compared with open-market rates of LE16,800-LE17,200. Sources from the grain sector question the scheme's effectiveness, noting extra fees for exchange participation and the need to assess wheat specifications.
They also point to past attempts in 2023 that led to secondary-market profiteering. Mill owners stress the importance of a reliable supply and transparent quality checks before committing to the exchange.
Why it matters
Bread price stability affects daily food costs for millions of Egyptians.
In this story
