Just days after milk prices went up by Rs 2 per litre on May 14, consumers are now facing another blow to their kitchen budgets as bread prices across Mumbai have increased by as much as Rs 5 per pack.
Industry players say soaring transportation costs, expensive imported packaging material and rising raw material prices are driving the sharp increase.
Modern Bread implemented the revised prices on May 16, marking one of the steepest hikes seen in recent years. Other major brands, including Britannia and Wibs, are also expected to raise prices soon.
Popular Bread Variants Become Costlier
Retailers reported price increases across several bread variants following the latest revision by manufacturers.
According to a report in The Times Of India, Raju Phutane, who runs a milk-and-bread stall in Lane 3 of Lokhandwala Complex in Andheri, said the price of Modern Bread’s 400 gm sandwich loaf has risen from Rs 40 to Rs 45. Whole wheat bread has increased from Rs 55 to Rs 60, while multigrain bread now costs Rs 65 instead of Rs 60.
He added that smaller variants have also become more expensive. The small brown loaf, which earlier cost Rs 28, is now priced at Rs 30, while the white loaf has gone up from Rs 20 to Rs 22. Brown bread that was previously available for Rs 45 is now reportedly retailing at Rs 50.
Packaging And Transport Costs Behind The Spike
Bakery owners and manufacturers say the increase is largely linked to rising costs of packaging and transportation.
Suresh Paswan, manager of Breadkraft Bakery in Andheri, said the raw material used to make plastic packaging has become significantly more expensive because it is imported.
It has been pointed out that imported raw materials used in the production of plastic packaging have become significantly costlier, making price revisions increasingly difficult to avoid. Concerns have also been raised within the industry over the weakening rupee, which has further increased the cost of import-dependent materials.
According to members of the baking industry, transportation costs have become a major burden on operations. Prices of preservatives, salt and other essential ingredients have also risen sharply, while petroleum-based plastic carry bags have reportedly become far more expensive than before.
Small Bakeries Feel The Pressure
Several independent bakery owners say they are struggling to absorb the continued rise in operating costs.
According to the TOI report, Irshad Ansari, owner of Delwin Bakery in Mahim, recently revised prices but fears further hikes may become necessary if costs continue to climb.
Meanwhile, Mehdi Dashti of City Bakery in Worli said smaller bakeries usually delay price revisions for as long as possible. However, rising gas prices and soaring packaging costs are making it increasingly difficult to hold rates steady. Concerns are being expressed that once essential food items become too expensive, consumers may begin cutting back on purchases.
Consumers Worry Over Rising Food Inflation
The fresh increase in bread prices has added to concerns over steadily rising household expenses.
Consumers have pointed out that bread prices earlier used to rise by only Rs 2 per loaf, while even a Rs 3 increase was once considered significant. Now, hikes of Rs 5 at a time are becoming increasingly common.
Growing frustration has also been expressed over the broader rise in food inflation, with staples such as milk, edible oil, spices, vegetables, fruits, bakery products and baby food all becoming more expensive in recent months.
The latest bread price hike comes at a time when households are already struggling with rising costs across essential commodities, placing additional pressure on monthly budgets.
