ZARANJ CITY: More than 200 bakeries have been closed in Zaranj city, the capital of western Nimroz province, after a huge amount of bread was imported from neighbouring Iran to the city.
Mohammad Nazar, one of the protesting owners of a bakery in Zaranj, breads were being imported from Zabol city of Iran to Nimroz, badly harming their business.
He told Pajhwok Afghan News they could not earn enough money even to pay salaries to workers and pay rent of the shop after the huge imports.
“All bakery owners have decided to close shops in protest and we will continue our protest until our problem is resolved,” he said.
Mohmmad Nabi, who imports bread from Iran, said they had more customers because they provided the food on lower price.
He said the bread they imported from Iran was 1,250 grams and sold for 30 afghanis while 800 grams of the bread baked in Zaranj city was sold for 40 afghanis.
Najibullah, a resident of Zaranj city, said the government was silent over closing bakeries by owners.
However, Zaranj acting mayor Mohammad Ali said no one had the right to close their bakery. He said they had discussed bread imports from Iran and would decide about the issue soon.
“Those who did not reopen their bakeries until tomorrow, their license will be cancelled,” he warned.
