Bread scarcity looms in North Cyprus as bakers threatens to stop production amid price controls

Lefkoşa — The President of the Turkish Cypriot Bakers and Pastry Producers Association (FUMDER), Ömer Çıralı, announced that bread production in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will come to a halt next week due to unresolved pricing issues with the government.

In a written statement issued following a meeting with Prime Minister Ünal Üstel on Thursday, Çıralı said the government’s refusal to revise the fixed price of bread despite rising costs has left bakers with no choice but to take action. 

“We regret to inform the public that we will suspend bread production next week,” Çıralı stated.

“Although the loaf bread price has been capped at 15 TL since March 1, 2024 — more than a year ago — the minimum wage has increased three times during this period, and average operational costs have risen by approximately 50%. Despite several meetings with the Ministry of Economy and updated cost calculations, no changes have been made to the price or the price cap.”

Çıralı emphasized that the disruption in bread supply should not be blamed on bakers.

“We would like to make it clear to the public that any hardship arising from this situation does not stem from the producers. We ask for your understanding.”

FUMDER is urging the government to either raise the regulated price of bread or remove the price control altogether to allow bakeries to operate sustainably. Without immediate intervention, the association warns of a looming bread shortage across the region.