West Bengal bread price hiked Rs 4 per pound from August 17

The West Bengal Bakers Association has raised the price of a one-pound loaf of bread from Rs 32 to Rs 36, effective August 17. CEO Ariful Islam said the decision was taken at an executive committee meeting on August 8, citing steep increases in the cost of flour, sugar, and packaging materials.

Islam said maida prices have risen by about Rs 600 per quintal in the past month, and sugar prices have jumped from Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kg. The association noted that rising petroleum product prices have pushed packaging costs to record levels, leaving bakeries with no choice but to revise prices. Organised bread brands had already raised slice bread prices by at least Rs 4 per pound, to around Rs 40 per pound.

The association represents about 3,000 bakeries across the state. Retailers have been given 15 days to adjust to the revised prices. The hike applies from August 17, though bread sizes vary by region: 200g and 400g loaves are common in south Bengal, while north Bengal typically sells 175g and 250g loaves.