Supply Ministry looking to reduce flour allocations for subsidized bread bakeries

The Supply Ministry is reportedly looking to reduce the amount of flour it provides to bakeries producing subsidized bread, an unidentified ministry source tells Al Mal. According to the source, the new system — which would come into effect today if approved — would cut down flour allocations to bakeries in urban areas to 70% of their current levels, and bakeries in the countryside would have their flour supplies reduced to 50%. The ministry had enacted a new system back in August that requires bakeries to pay the ministry market prices for wheat and flour, and receive compensations based on the number of subsidized bread loaves sold through the smartcard system.