Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE government has dismissed reports of an imminent bread price increase, clarifying that Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 87 of 2025 does not impose any new levy on flour or wheat imports.
The clarification follows widespread speculation that the statutory instrument introduced earlier this month would result in higher flour costs, thereby triggering a rise in bread prices.
In an interview with ZBC News in Mutare on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, explained that the levy introduced under the new regulation applies only to maize imports.
“S.I. 87 of 2025 is allowing the importation of grains by agro-processors, millers, and stock feed manufacturers, so it essentially allows importation of that. But also, we are in the same vein, protecting our local farmers so that our locals have off-takers who can get their grain when they produce. Currently, the S.I. is affecting maize importation, where the Minister has guided that the agro-processors will pay US$10 per metric tonne on application for the import. So that is essentially what this S.I. does.
“The minister has not guided on wheat, which is still being imported free of charge, on soya beans, and other grains. So, at the moment, it’s really affecting the maize importers. But as you know, maize is still out there. Our farmers have harvested enough. Importation of wheat is not yet affected by S.I. 87,” he said.
A leading miller in Mutare, Mega Market, concurred, saying S.I. 87 is clear and does not apply to wheat.
“In a press statement by AMA clarifying the modalities of S.I. 87, I think the press statement is very clear that the $10 per tonne only applies to maize and it does not apply to any wheat imports. I think after the clarity, the ambiguity is no longer there, and I am confident that the prices will remain stable for both flour and bread.
“As a miller, I’m sure millers will continue engaging the ministry to ensure the price of bread remains at $1 and there’s no price increment in the market. On Maize, there is a $10 levy, but I think the world markets have also come down by a similar amount. So I don’t anticipate any price increase in mealie meal as well,” explained Mega Market Managing Director, Ahmed Muhammad Shiraan.
The clarification brings relief to consumers who were anticipating a possible spike in bread and mealie meal prices, as the nation continues with efforts to stabilise basic commodity prices and ensure food security.
