Reports reaching Foroyaa indicate that the price of flour is on the rise, despite the recent inauguration of a new flour company, Gambia Milling Corp Ltd. (GMC), which has since started operating. What is responsible for the price increase in the cost of flour in the country? Momodou Sowe, a baker running a local bakery told this reporter that a couple of months ago; they were buying a bag of imported flour at D1,140, but now a bag is sold at D1,200.

One Momodou Wurry Jallow, who is running a local bakery in Brikama, said it is very difficult for them to buy a bag of flour due to its high cost, adding that a bag of flour now costs D1,225 which is more than what it was before the Muslim month of Ramadan.

"This is why we don't even increase the price, but the bread quality will be reduced," he said Another proprietor of a local bakery situated in Bundung, Modou Njie, called on the authorities to help in the reduction of the cost of flour so that it will not lead to an increase in the price of bread.

The proprietor of a modern bakery in Tallinding also added his voice and said a bag of flour before the Ramadan was D1,115 or D1,130, but now it stands at D1,250.

When this reporter approached the flour company to get their version on the issue on Friday,26th July, referral was made for thePublic Relation Officer of the Company to be contacted at hisoffice situated at the Standard Chartered Bank building at theTraffic Light via Kairaba Avenue.

Visiting the place, it was indicated thatthe office is transferred to Banjul. On Monday,29th July, the reporter again went back to the flour mill in Banjul, but could not meet the GMC officials.