Bread prices ‘to rise in Belgium’

30 June 2004

BRUSSELS –  Bread may become more expensive in some parts of Belgium starting this Thursday, when the  Belgian state will relinquish its practice of regulating prices that dates back to the World War II era, news reports said Wednesday.

The Belgian state began setting prices on bread in 1940 in order to ensure it was widely available and affordable to as many people as possible.

Authorities have gradually abandoned the practice, and as of Wednesday set only prices on white, wheat-based bread and a kind of half rye bread known as demi-gris. Beginning July 1, bakers in Belgium will have free rein to sell all breads at whatever price they wish.

Although it’s difficult to predict pricing trends, Bruno Kuylen of the organisation representing Flemish bakers told La Derniere Heure newspaper that certain bakeries will mark up prices by to 12 cents from Thursday.

Others plan to wait to follow suit until vacationers return home in September, he added.

 [Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject : Belgian news