President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday met with NAMILCO’s officials to discuss the recent worldwide price hike for flour and what government can do to cushion the increases, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
President Jagdeo and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad met with Bert Sukhai, Chief Executive Officer of the National Milling Company and other top officials of the flour company at the Office of the President.
The government recently opened up the market for the importation of flour in order to push the price of the commodity down. During the budget presentation in February it was announced that flour was zero-rated with effect from March 1, and despite this measure the price remained the same.
GINA reported that Jagdeo is exploring a number of options that would assist Guyanese in order that they do not feel the full brunt of the price increase for flour.
At yesterday’s meeting the President enquired about the present supply of flour on the domestic market and all assurances were given by NAMILCO that there is currently no shortage of the commodity. The company also said that it has the capacity to meet the needs of the local market. NAMILCO has been asked to submit to the Office of the President details related to its operations and acquisition cost for wheat. Another meeting is scheduled to be held with the company next week.
Meanwhile the President will be meeting shortly with bakers and wholesalers of bread, GINA added.
