Tripoli government addresses bread crisis amid criticism over mismanagement
Mustafa Al-Samo, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals in Tripoli, met with the Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Follow-up of Bakeries, the President of the General Syndicate of Bakeries, and other officials to discuss challenges facing bakeries. The Tripoli government has faced significant criticism for its handling of the recurring bread crisis, which has led some bakeries to cease operations, increase prices, or reduce bread sizes. This crisis is attributed to power cuts, rising prices due to the black-market dollar rate LD 9.20/dollar, and the increased cost and shortage of diesel, which is used for generators during extensive power outages. Despite bread being subsidized in Libya, with bakeries receiving subsidized flour and fuel, these issues have reoccurred multiple times since the 2011 revolution. The meeting focused on operating costs, input prices, and operational needs, aiming to develop practical solutions to support bakeries, maintain production quality, and address bottlenecks in the sector.
