Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Residents of the Greater Banjul Area woke up to an unusual sight on Monday morning: empty bread shelves in many shops, as a widespread shortage gripped the city. The unavailability of staple bread varieties, including tapalapa and senfour, has left consumers frustrated, despite reassurances from the National Bakers Union just days earlier that supply would remain stable while discussions with the government continued.

The National Bakers Union recently announced plans to increase the price of bread from D10 to D13, citing rising production costs, particularly the increasing cost of flour. However, amid mounting public concern, the union said on Saturday that it would hold talks with the Ministry of Trade and Industry before implementing any price changes. The discussions were expected to find a balance between consumer affordability and bakers’ sustainability—yet, the sudden shortage suggests that the issue remains unresolved.

Consumers Struggle for Alternatives

The bread shortage has left many scrambling for alternatives. Some have resorted to buying packaged sliced bread from mini-markets at higher prices, while others are considering making bread at home. Confusion and speculation abound, with some consumers suspecting hoarding by suppliers or a lack of coordination among bakery operators.

“We were assured there would be no shortages, but today, I have visited three different shops, and there is no tapalapa or senfour anywhere,” said Mariama Jallow, a resident of Serekunda. “This is the most basic food for many families, and we don’t know what is happening.”

A Struggle Between Costs and Affordability

The last price adjustment for bread in The Gambia was in 2019 when a loaf increased from D8 to D10. The National Bakers Union argues that another price hike is unavoidable, as high production costs have made it difficult for bakers to sustain their businesses. At a recent press conference, union members explained that the planned increase would also introduce standardized weights for the two main types of local bread—Senfour at 1.70kg and Tapalapa at 1.55kg—to ensure consistency in pricing.

However, with the holy month of Ramadan approaching—a period when bread demand significantly rises—the government is under pressure to prevent a drastic price hike that could burden consumers already struggling with economic hardships. The Ministry of Trade and Industry is expected to play a key role in finding a resolution that satisfies both parties.

Uncertainty Ahead

The sudden bread shortage raises questions about whether some bakers have taken matters into their own hands by withholding production in protest of the delayed price hike. Others suggest that logistical challenges or miscommunication within the bakers’ union may have disrupted supply chains.

Without a clear agreement between the bakers’ union and the government, the shortage may continue, potentially worsening in the coming weeks. For now, consumers remain in limbo, wondering if they will have to brace for higher bread prices—or prolonged scarcity of this essential commodity.