Mumbai: Days after the hike in milk prices, the price of bread was reportedly increased by five rupees per packet in Mumbai. The prices were increased due to a sudden surge in transportation costs and imported raw materials used for packaging. Apart from this, the fall of the rupee value in comparison to the US dollar has also contributed to the price rise. Earlier, on May 14, the price of milk was increased by Rs 2 per litre across the country.
Following the hike in the milk prices, the Modern Bread increased the cost by five rupees per packet on May 16, reported the Times of India. As per the report, other prominent firms, including Britannia and Wibs, are also likely to increase the prices soon. The local vendors stated that the prices were increased due to a hike in the cost of the raw materials used for packaging.
"The price of Modern's 400 gm sandwich loaf has risen from Rs 40 to Rs 45, whole wheat from Rs 55 to Rs 60, and multigrain from Rs 60 to Rs 65. The small brown loaf was Rs 28, and it is now Rs 30. The white loaf was Rs 20; it is now Rs 22," Raju Phutane, who owns a milk-bread stall in Lane 3 of Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
"Plastic powder used for manufacturing plastic bags is imported and has become very costly. We are considering raising bread prices. It is inevitable," a manager of BreadKraft Bakery said. The prices of diesel and petrol have been increased twice in a week, leading to an increased transportation cost.
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However, the officials have maintained that there was no shortage of petrol and diesel, advising the consumers to avoid panic buying. The prices of petrol and diesel have remained unchanged largely in the past few years.