Tripoli government belatedly addresses bread crisis causes - vows to develop solutions to bottlenecks

Libya's Tripoli-based government has finally acknowledged the ongoing bread crisis, a recurring issue that has plagued the nation since the 2011 revolution. The administration, led by Mustafa Al-Samo, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, met with bakery officials to discuss the sector's difficulties. Bakeries have been forced to halt operations, raise prices, or shrink bread portions due to severe power outages and the rising cost of the dollar on the black market, which impacts the price of diesel. Diesel is crucial for powering generators during Libya's frequent blackouts. The government has faced significant criticism for its perceived mismanagement and neglect of the bread crisis. This latest meeting aimed to explore ways to support bakeries by addressing operating costs and input prices. Officials discussed proposals to bolster production while ensuring the quality and weight of bread loaves remain consistent. Al-Samo emphasized the need for practical, implementable solutions to overcome the sector's challenges and ensure follow-through on agreed-upon measures. The recurring nature of the bread crisis, driven by a combination of factors including fuel shortages and economic instability, highlights a persistent governance challenge. The government's response, described as "belated" and caught "napping," suggests a struggle to proactively manage essential services and economic pressures.

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The government has come in for much criticism for mismanagement and neglecting the recurrent bread crisis which reached an extent that bakeries have been forced to stop operating or put up bread prices or reduce the size/weight of a baguette of bread to the size of a panini.