Meyrambek Donenbayev, a deputy of the Jambil regional council in Kazakhstan, has ignited a contentious discussion by proposing a significant hike in the price of bread. Donenbayev's proposal, as reported by Jambylinfo.kz, suggests raising the price of bread by 500 tenge, which translates to $1.13 ( based on the exchange rate of April 26).
Donenbayev justified his proposal by highlighting the perceived undervaluation of bread and its consequential wastage. He expressed concern that the current low price of bread fails to incentivize appreciation for the product among consumers, leading to its frequent disposal. Moreover, Donenbayev argued that increasing the price of agricultural products, including bread, would provide vital support to local producers.
"To tell the truth, the price of bread is very cheap. I am a producer of agricultural products. The wheat I planted now costs less than 100 tenge (about $0.23). Therefore, the price of bread should be at least 500 tenge ( $1.13). In this way, we will improve the prosperity of the villages. People can afford it. Because bread usually ends up in landfills. Not sausages and meat products, because they are expensive," remarked Meyrambek Donenbayev.
However, Donenbayev's proposal faced opposition from his colleagues within the council. Maslihat deputy Bakhita Kelimbetov argued that the current price of bread, which stands at 120 tenge (approximately $0.27) in subsidized areas, already burdens residents' finances. Similarly, people's representative Jumakhan Tankebayev expressed apprehension regarding the proposed price hike, particularly its impact on low-income families.
"Increasing the price of bread by 500 ( $1.13) tenge is too high. This is a burden for ordinary people. Especially for families with 5-6 children. This will be a big burden on their pockets," remarked deputy Tankebayev.
Earlier Daryo reported that Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Economy and Commerce has implemented temporary state regulation on bread and bakery products domestically, aiming to prevent price surges and ensure their accessibility.
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