D12 Bread, Same Old Loaf? Questions Arise Over Weight Compliance

By Edward Francis Dalliah

The Gambian government, through the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE), announced on 19th June 2025 that the official price of bread will increase from D10 to D12, effective 1st July 2025. Alongside the price hike, the ministry also mandated an increase in the weight of the bread. Specifically, the ‘Senfur’ loaf should increase from 133 grams to 160 grams, and the ‘Tapalapa’ from 165 grams to 190 grams.

These changes were presented as a response to rising production costs, particularly due to global inflation and fluctuations in the prices of wheat and other key ingredients used in bread production. While the ministry announced the price increase, it also emphasised that the new pricing would be accompanied by a proportional weight increase to ensure consumer satisfaction. However, beyond the policy announcement, a critical question remains unanswered: Will the government actively monitor bakeries to ensure compliance with the new weight standards?

A Decade of Price Increases

Bread, a staple in Gambian households, has seen a steady increase in price over the past two decades. From D4 in the early 2000s, prices rose to D6, then D8, and later D10, reflecting broader economic pressures. With the latest jump to D12, concerns about accountability, enforcement, and fairness are growing among consumers. Some have begun to question whether the bread sold at D12 truly reflects the promised weight increase. Although the government’s directive ties the price hike to a proportional gain in weight, past experiences suggest that policy announcements do not always translate into effective implementation.

On-the-Ground Observation: Is the Policy Working?

To assess real-time compliance, our reporter purchased a loaf of ‘Tapalapa’ bread at D10 on the night of 30th June 2025, just before the price increase took effect, and another loaf at D12 on the morning of 1st July from the same shop in Manjai, Greater Banjul Area.

A simple visual comparison revealed notable inconsistencies. The D10 loaf appeared larger in overall size but shorter in length than the D12 loaf purchased the following morning. There was no indication that the bakery had implemented any weighing mechanism or was under official inspection. While this single case cannot represent the national picture, it reflects a broader issue: the apparent lack of enforcement or monitoring by relevant authorities during the initial rollout of the policy.

What Has the Government Said?

In its 19th June 2025 statement, the Ministry of Trade noted that it “will continue to monitor and engage stakeholders in the value chain for amicable and lasting solutions, considering the wider interest of the public.” The ministry also urged stakeholders to comply with the agreed weights and prices. However, the statement did not specify any penalties for non-compliance, nor did it announce the implementation of routine weight inspections.

Public Concerns

For some consumers, the central issue is not merely the D2 increase, but whether they are receiving fair value. In an economy where food inflation already strains household budgets, many citizens expect stronger consumer protections and clearer enforcement mechanisms. Without visible oversight, trust in the policy and its promised benefits may quickly erode.