An official of the Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) denied reports on the removal of state subsidy on wheat flour and bread. Responding to rumors about an imminent increase in wheat flour prices produced by his organization, a SAGO spokesman, Saleh Al-Suhaibani, said that such a move would require a decree, making any such decision clear to the public. Speaking to Al-Riyadh Arabic paper, sister publication of Riyadh Daily, Al-Suhaibani said a statement issued earlier by the Ministry of Commerce in this regard was clear. Abdulrahman Al-Hussein, an advisor to the Ministry of Commerce and Investment, said on social media that the ministry was ensuring that all bakeries in the Kingdom abided by the regulations related to the weight of various types of bread. SAGO began work on privatization of the wheat and flour sector early this year with the aim of enhancing competitiveness, improving productivity and stimulating investment. To this end, the organization is set to sell state-owned four mills to the private sector later this year, he said.
