At least 282 bakers and shopkeepers have been arrested in Zimbabwe's capital city of Harare for overcharging for a standard loaf of bread, official newspaper The herald reported on Thursday.

The newspaper said bakeries unilaterally increased the price of a standard loaf of bread to between 130,000 and 160,000 Zimbabwe dollars (one U.S. dollar equals 101,000 Zimbabwe dollars) recently to cover increased costs of inputs, including imported flour.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Memory Pamire said a total 282 bakers and shopkeepers have been arrested since June 16 during the clampdown.

On Wednesday, most bakeries either had a few loaves of bread for sale or none at all, saying they could not produce at a loss, the newspaper said.

The inspector said first offenders paid admission of guilt fines while the police were still working on the dockets for repeat offender so that they could be taken to court.

In Zimbabwe, the prices of some food, especially bread, are controlled by the government.

The newspaper also carried a comment titled "Balanced pricing formula for bread vital", saying there is need to come up with a pricing formula which ensure availability of the product and the viability of companies.

Source: Xinhua