Egypt 'plans to cut bread subsidies on IMF advice', provoking fears of unrest

The proposed measures would affect 78.6 million people who currently benefit from subsidised bread and flour. Bread is Egypt’s second largest expenditure in terms of commodity subsidies, after petroleum products.

But increasing prices of the essential foodstuff could spark a new wave of protests. Similar measures led to riots in Jordan in June 2018, and have sparked the current protests challenging the regime in Sudan.

One way Egypt could avoid direct price hikes but execute the cuts is by reducing the number of bread loaves per package and offer it for the same price, a process known as 'shrinkflation'. 

The New Arab has reached out to the IMF for comment.

In November 2016, Egypt reached an agreement with the IMF for a $12 billion loan package to be delivered in tranches.

In return, Egypt would have to implement certain conditions such as liberalising the exchange rate, gradually abolishing subsidies on basic commodities, and significantly reducing the number of those employed by the government in public administration

Egyptian officials have delayed announcing the decision in fear of a negative backlash from the public, according to the sources, but it is reportedly set to be announced by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in the coming months.

Egyptian officials have delayed announcing the decision in fear of a negative backlash from the public, according to the sources, but it is reportedly set to be announced by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in the coming months.

Protests have erupted around the world in recent months due to higher prices and difficult economic conditions brought about by austerity measures. The "yellow vests" took to the streets in France due to the increase in fuel prices, which was touted as an environmental measure; and the citizens of Sudan are protesting as a result of high food prices.

Egyptians have suffered in the past four years from unprecedented high prices, high rates of poverty and domestic and external debt.

Since the 2011 revolt that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak, the economy of the Arab world's most populous country has received multiple shocks caused by political instability and security issues.

Egypt has imposed harsh austerity measures to try to right the economy and reduce the budget deficit, including hiking fuel prices and electricity rates.