And while FECTAB is fuming on that issue, consumers are concerned that the price of flour has seen an increase - which only means that basic dietary staples such as bread and tortilla will likely go up as well.
But according to the Minister of Agriculture, that price increase on flour is unapproved - and those who have hiked the costs can be charged. This means that bread must also continue to be sold at the controlled price of $1.50 wholesale, at least until Cabinet decides differently.
But for now, the minister said they're still monitoring the situation:
Hon. Jose Mai - Minister of Agriculture
"There is no SI yet that indicates that there is a change or an upward adjustment to the price of flour on the market so if flour is being sold on the market above the controlled price, it is illegal. Until Cabinet makes the approval, so that yet has not been approved by Cabinet, it is still in discussion, we are still in discussion with the bakers and with Belize Mills on the matter."
Courtney Menzies
"Do you have officers going into the stores to see the people who are raising these prices?"
Hon. Jose Mai
"Yes, an order was given that our supplies control unit must visit and if they are selling above the control price, they will be charged."
Reporter
"Sir, Minister Perez whose family owns a bakery in San Pedro told us yesterday that in fact the cost of flour has already gone up and he supports the cost increase in a 16 ounce loaf of bread."
Hon. Jose Mai - Minister of Agriculture
"Well I do understand Minister Perez's position, he is a businessman. we are not saying the price will not go up, we are saying that we are studying it carefully, the cost of producing bread carefully, as a matter of fact, not even Bebe Agua supposed to go up right now. We had initially thought that they would get an increase of 10% because Bebe Agua is the flour used by the bakers for bread but we cannot give them an increase if we cannot allow the bakers to get an increase, it would be unfair to give an increase in the price of flour and tell the bakers you cannot increase your price so we are studying it carefully, we are meeting with the bakers and with Belize Mills to ensure that when we make the decision it is a justified and rational decision based on the cost of production."
Bakers say the cost of production of a 16 ounce loaf of bread - already surpasses the wholesale price.
