Zimbabwe News Update
zbc
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Govt quells bread price fears, clarifies S.I. 87 does not affect wheat imports
Story by Kenias ChivuzheTHE government has dismissed reports of an imminent bread price increase, clarifying that Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 87 of 2025 does not impose any new levy on flour or wheat imports.The clarification follows widespread speculation that the statutory instrument introduced earlier this month would result in higher flour costs, thereby triggering a rise in bread prices.In an interview with ZBC News in Mutare on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, explained that the levy introduced under the new regulation applies only to maize imports.“S.I.
87 of 2025 is allowing the importation of grains by agro-processors, millers, and stock feed manufacturers, so it essentially allows importation of that. But also, we are in the same vein, protecting our local farmers so that our locals have off-takers who can get their grain when they produce. Currently, the S.I. is affecting maize importation, where the Minister has guided that the agro-processors will pay US$10 per metric tonne on application for the import. So that is essentially what this S.I. does.“The minister has not guided on wheat, which is still being imported free of charge, on soya beans, and other grains. So, at the moment, it’s really affecting the maize importers. But as you know, maize is still out there. Our farmers have harvested enough.
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