At least seven popular bakeries have been caught misusing subsidised flour in Bahrain, prompting a tougher crackdown and a new wave of inspection campaigns, Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro has revealed.
The violations – uncovered since the start of the current legislative term in December 2022 – include improper use of subsidised flour, exceeding quotas and attempts to exploit the government subsidy system. With 417 bakeries operating across the kingdom, the minister said even a small number of violations is ‘unacceptable and taken extremely seriously’.
“These cases show exactly why strict oversight is necessary,” Mr Fakhro told the Shura Council in writing. “We are determined to ensure subsidised flour goes only to those who deserve it, and that it is used properly and lawfully.”
The minister said violators are immediately summoned, confronted with inspection findings and issued official reports.
“If a bakery repeats the violation, or if subsidised flour is found to have been sold illegally, the case is referred straight to the Public Prosecution,” he said. “The law is very clear, and enforcement will be decisive. Protecting the integrity of the subsidy system is a national responsibility.”
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