Egypt caps non-subsidized bread prices as authorities step up market oversight

CAIRO – 12 March 2026: Egypt’s Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade has set maximum prices for non-subsidized bread, including baladi and long baguette-shaped fino loaves, as authorities step up market monitoring amid regional instability.

As per a ministerial directive, Baladi bread is priced at a maximum of LE 2 for an 80‑gram loaf, LE 1.5 for a 60‑gram loaf, and LE 1 for a 40‑gram loaf.

Meanwhile, fino bread is capped at LE 2 for a 50‑gram loaf, LE 1.5 for a 40‑gram loaf, and LE 1 for a 30‑gram loaf.

Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk said the move aims to ensure citizens can access bread at fair and transparent prices, while preventing any manipulation of weights or costs.

The directive requires bakeries producing non-subsidized bread to supply 72% of their flour themselves, ensuring continuous production without disrupting the availability of subsidized bread.

Bakeries must display the prices and weights of their bread clearly and prominently on the storefront, using lettering that is easily visible and unambiguous.

Farouk emphasized that bakeries must adhere to these weights, specifications, and price limits. Violations are punishable under Egyptian law, including penalties for overpricing or incorrect loaf weights.

The ministry and local supply directorates will monitor compliance continuously, ensuring transparency in bread trading and protecting citizens’ rights.

The measure comes days after the government raised prices of gasoline and cooking gas cylinders by up to 30 percent and 22 percent, respectively, amid rising energy costs linked to the ongoing US-Israeli war in Iran and the subsequent Middle East escalation.

The Egyptian authorities have stepped up oversight of local markets since the start of the regional crisis.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi warned last week that he had directed authorities to study referring violators involved in price manipulation to military courts.

Despite fuel price hikes, the supply minister stressed on Tuesday that the government will not raise the price of subsidized bread.