A ministerial decree issued Thursday by the Ministry of Supply establishes new price ceilings for free-market bread. Effective immediately, an 80-gram loaf of unsubsidized baladi bread cannot exceed EGP 2, a 60-gram loaf is capped at EGP 1.50, and a 40-gram loaf at EGP 1.
For French bread, known locally as "fino," the new maximum prices are EGP 2 for a 50-gram loaf, EGP 1.50 for a 40-gram loaf, and EGP 1 for a 30-gram loaf.
The directive requires independent and commercial bakeries to source their own 72 percent extraction flour, ensuring production continuity without drawing on supplies allocated to the subsidized bread program, according to a statement from the supply ministry.
Bakeries are also required to clearly display both prices and weights on their storefronts for consumer transparency.
Supply Minister Sherif Farouk has warned that any violations of the new pricing and weight standards will be met with penalties.
He noted that supply inspectors and provincial directorates have already launched intensive monitoring campaigns across governorates to enforce compliance with the new ceilings, according to the statement.
The price controls come just two days after the government increased fuel and gas prices by 14 percent to 30 percent, a decision attributed to rising global oil prices linked to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The conflict has sent oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, roiling regional energy markets. The war has disrupted approximately one-fifth of the world's crude oil and natural gas supplies, particularly after Iran moved to effectively halt tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for oil from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE.
In Egypt, fuel prices increased on Tuesday. Petrol grades increased by EGP 3 per litre, with 95-octane now at EGP 24, 92-octane at EGP 22.25, and 80-octane at EGP 20.75.
Diesel saw a similar increase, rising from EGP 17.5 to EGP 20.5 per litre, while natural gas for vehicles jumped from EGP 10 to EGP 13 per cubic metre.
The price of cooking gas cylinders also rose; households now pay EGP 275 for a 12.5 kg cylinder (up from EGP 225) and EGP 550 for the 25 kg size (up from EGP 450).
Despite these hikes, Minister Farouk vowed on Tuesday that the price of subsidized baladi bread -- distributed through a national subsidy program that provides five 90-gram loaves daily to millions of cardholders across the country -- will remain untouched at 20 piasters per loaf.
Short link: