Consequently, atta is now being procured at about 20 per cent more than the price bakers paid for the raw material earlier.
Ramesh Mago, president, All India Bread Manufacturers' Association (AIBMA) and proprietor, Kitty Industries Pvt. Ltd, Ludhiana, confirmed this, adding, “Apart from the ingredients used to make bread, the rising power tariffs in various parts of India is also a factor influencing this hike.” The company hiked prices by 10-12 per cent in key North Indian markets such as Punjab.
The impact of the blow is deeper on states where wheat isn't grown and which therefore have to depend on states like Punjab for their raw material, as they would now have to pay more for it in addition to the other major overheads such as power and wages. All producers are now reviewing their pricing based on the upward trend in input costs.
