Bakeries in Zimbabwe remained closed Sunday and shop shelves were empty of bread despite a 300 percent rise in the official price of a loaf.
The state Sunday Mail, a government mouthpiece, said the National Prices and Incomes Commission allowed the bread price to increase to Zimbabwe dollars 100,000 (US 20 cents) Friday as part of a review to help businesses remain viable. The rise came after the government slashed the price of bread by more than a half in June aimed at fighting the world's highest official inflation. Bread, the cornmeal staple, meat and other basics then disappeared from store shelves as businesses were forced to sell their goods at below production costs. |