Bread prices will remain unchanged despite the recent increase in electricity tariffs, according to Malkhaz Dolidze, head of the Bread Producers Union. Speaking to BMG, Dolidze explained that electricity costs make up only a small portion of bread production expenses, as bakeries rely much more heavily on natural gas.
Dolidze noted that gas prices, not electricity, typically pose the biggest challenge for the industry. Since gas prices remain stable, the higher electricity tariff will not impact the cost of bread. He also emphasized that mills and bakeries currently face stable wheat and flour prices, with imported wheat priced at 90 tetri. As a result, there are no grounds for a price increase at this stage.
“Of course, we are not happy about the increase in electricity tariffs, but it will not affect bread prices,” Dolidze said. “Electricity consumption in bakeries is minimal, and we use energy-efficient lighting. The real concern for us is natural gas.”
GNERC has approved new electricity tariffs effective April 1. Prices will rise for all categories of consumers, both residential and commercial, with household tariffs increasing by 5 tetri in Tbilisi and the regions, and business tariffs rising by 4–6 tetri.
