GAZA, (PIC)
The Association of Bakeries in the Gaza Strip has warned of an imminent total shutdown of bakeries due to severe shortages of motor oils used for operating electric generators and running trucks that distribute bread and water.
In press remarks on Thursday, head of the association Abdul-Nasser al-Ajrami said that there has been an ongoing Israeli ban on the entry of oils for generators and vehicles for more than three months.
“The motor oil crisis has driven prices sharply higher, to around 2,000 shekels per liter, threatening bakeries’ operations and bringing them close to total paralysis,” Ajrami warned.
“Bakeries contracted with the “World Kitchen” organization have been out of operation for nearly two months, preceding the group’s announcement of reduced activities in the Strip,” he explained.
“Other contracted bakeries were also shut down without sufficient explanation, citing reasons such as budget shortfalls or difficulties in bringing goods through the crossings. This has negatively impacted the most vulnerable groups, amid unemployment and poverty rates exceeding 85 percent,” he added.
