The Gambian government has officially approved an increase in the price of bread, raising the cost of Senfur and Tapalapa loaves to 12 Gambian Dalasi (D12) each, effective July 1, 2025.
The Ministry of Trade announced on Thursday, June 19, that this decision comes after extensive consultations with the Gambia Bakers Union (GBU), the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC), and the Consumer Consortium.
“Effective 1st July 2025, the price of ‘Senfur’ will be D12 for a 160-gram loaf and ‘Tapalapa’ will also be D12 for a 190-gram loaf across the country,” said the Ministry.
The new prices are accompanied by an increase in the average weight of the breads: Senfur will now weigh 160 grams, up from 133 grams, while Tapalapa will increase from 165 grams to 190 grams. The Ministry emphasised that these changes reflect a balance between rising production costs and consumer value.
“The Government of The Gambia, through this Ministry, continues to monitor the production, distribution and selling of bread in the country to ensure that bread, as an essential food commodity, is available and accessible by the population,” the Ministry added.
The announcement follows meetings held on May 27 and 28, where stakeholders discussed pricing, weight, and quality issues. “Following consultations with the Gambia Bakers Union, the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and the Consumer Consortium, all parties agreed on the new weights and prices, balancing the concerns of bakeries and consumers,” the Ministry said.
Consumers were reassured that bread would remain available at bakeries at the previous price of D10 per loaf and D120 per dozen during the transition period.
The Ministry urged all stakeholders to “comply with the agreed weights and prices for Senfur and Tapalapa bread to the letter,” warning that compliance will be strictly enforced.
“Through its Legal Metrology Department under the Gambia Standard Bureau, the Ministry will monitor compliance with the agreed weights and educate the public on how to determine the weight of fresh bread,” the statement said.
“Anyone found making bread below these agreed weights will be in violation of this agreement and shall be dealt with accordingly,” the Ministry cautioned.
