A few of the variety of pastries sold at Pete's Restaurant. The price of bread and other baked products was increased effective yesterday. -Photo by Shelly-Ann Thompson

Claudette Ebanks, a middle-aged Kingston woman, who customarily purchases at least two five-pound loaves of bread per week, can no longer afford to do so, as her meagre salary will not allow her.

Her predicament is based on the recent hike in baked products which took effect yesterday.

"I can no longer afford to buy two five-pound breads, it costs too much. After budgeting for my needs and wants, not much is left from my salary. I used to pay $200 for a five-pound bread, it now gone to $240," said Mrs. Ebanks.

She now has to purchase a smaller-sized bread for her family at a cost of $140.

"This bread is too small and I know that, before the end of the week, I will have to return to buy another one," she said, while making her purchase in downtown Kingston.

Not happy with increase

Beverley Brown, a retired primary school teacher, was not happy with the increase at this time.

"The cost of living is getting higher each day and we cannot afford to pay for the many things that we need. I am sorry for teachers who are still in the system because they are not seeing an increase in their salaries," said Ms. Brown.

Despite the increase, some consumers were seen making their purchases yesterday.

But Arthur Grant, a senior citizen who has been living in the Dunrobin area of St. Andrew for more than two decades, said he can no longer afford to purchase bread or bullas, and has resorted to making home-made baked products for his family.

In addition, patty outlets now boast a new price list, which caused some consumers to pair up with their friends in order to make a purchase yesterday.

A chicken patty, which was $65, now costs $75; while a cheese patty costs $80, up from $65.