By Awa S Jallow
Consumers in The Gambia should prepare for adjustments to bread prices and weights, effective July 1, 2025.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MOTIE) announced these changes yesterday, following extensive negotiations with The Gambia Bakers Union (GBU), the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC), and the Consumer Consortium.
The Ministry has been actively monitoring bread production and distribution to ensure this essential food commodity remains available and accessible to the population.
This latest decision comes after a series of meetings held on May 27th and 28th, 2025, where all parties discussed the cost structure of bread production, aiming to address concerns from both bakeries and consumers.Under the new agreement:
Senfur bread will see its average weight increase from 133 grams to 160 grams, with its price rising from D10 to D12 per loaf.
Tapalapa bread will also increase in average weight from 165 grams to 190 grams, and its price will similarly move from D10 to D12 per loaf.
While the new prices for individual loaves will be D12, the Ministry also noted that bread will be available for sale at bakeries at D10 per loaf and D120 per dozen.
MOTIE emphasized its continued commitment to monitoring the bread value chain and engaging with stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that serve the wider public interest.
The Ministry urged all stakeholders to strictly comply with the agreed-upon weights and prices for both Senfur and Tapalapa bread.
To ensure adherence, the Legal Metrology Department under the Gambia Standard Bureau will be actively monitoring compliance with the new weight standards.
The public will also be educated on how to determine the weight of fresh bread. The Ministry warned that any baker found producing bread below the agreed weights would be in violation of the agreement and would face appropriate action.
