Nigerian bakers on strike again

Bread stocks are expected to run out during the strike

Nigeria's bakeries have stopped producing loaves for a week in a protest at rising flour prices.

The Association of Master Bakers said it will have to increase the price of bread by 25% after the strike.

The strike might put pressure on poor working Nigerians who rely on bread as a staple meal.

Last year the association went on strike for a week after President Umaru Yar'Adua refused to order flour mills to reduce their prices.

Tariffs

Nigeria places tariffs on imported wheat used in bakeries.

The AMB says that bread production should be subsidised instead.

"We are in a mess," said chairman of the association Lateef Oguntoyinbo.

"I understand the flour millers are due to propose an increase to their prices again in a few days."

The BBC's Fidelis Mbah says the strike has already taken its toll in Lagos, as supplies are running out.

It is yet another food that is being affected by the global rise in prices our correspondent says.

A loaf of bread can cost as little as $0.40. A small loaf can often be the only thing poor city-dwellers will get to eat during the day.