Israeli supermarkets reported bread shortages Sunday morning as a result of a strike by flourmills in protest to the rising cost of imported wheat. The Israeli Defense Forces also received less bread than usual, reported Ha’aretz.
The flour producers’ strike was launched last Monday in response to a decision to put a freeze on flour prices. Industry and Trade Minister, Dalia Itzik is expected to meet with flourmill executives late Sunday in order to determine whether to raise the price of bread.
The cost of wheat has risen due to the recent devaluation of the Israeli shekel against the dollar and other major currencies. The Israeli government has avoided raising the price of flour and bread, fearing this would only intensify the nation’s inflation problem. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
