Sharp hike in wheat, maida prices force Hyd bakeries to increase rates

Hyderabad: If any product in your nearest bakery has gotten a tad bit expensive it's probably because of the gradual rise in the prices of basic bakery items. Bakeries across Hyderabad are struggling with the slow but steady increase in basic ingredients and resources.

While there has been no increase in the price of bread, many bakeries have resorted to increasing the prices of cakes, puffs, cookies, and more to compensate for the rising prices.

"The prices of bakery products are going up owing to multiple reasons," says Aman Khetani, the owner of Cinderella Bakery, Hyderabad. "For instance, the price of wheat has gone up starkly since March-April," he added.

The wholesale price of wheat in Hyderabad has gone up by nearly 42%. Around March, one kg of wheat used to cost Rs. 28. Now, it costs Rs. 40 per kg. The price of bakery-grade maida has also seen a steep rise. Now, one kg maida costs approximately Rs. 60. Earlier, it was Rs. 52.

"Due to the rise in production costs, we have been forced to increase the prices of certain products. It is not just due to the wheat and maida price hike but also gas," added Aman.

The price of gas (LPG) has been hiked by Rs. 50 per cylinder. This is the third increase since May. Prices have gone up by approximately Rs. 244 per cylinder since June 2021 and increased by around Rs. 150 since March 2022.

Several bakeries also use ovens and cooking ware that require diesel. The rise in diesel rates has also adversely affected several bakeries. A liter of diesel is currently priced at Rs. 97. The diesel price has increased by Rs. 10 over the last six months.

Another bakery in Kukatpally has cut down its production by half instead of increasing the prices. "We don't want to lose the few regular customers we have. Hence, we did this. A lot of small-scale bakeries are doing this. It also decreases time and effort," Sarfaraz, the owner of the bakery, said.