Tunisia's Union of Bakers announced yesterday the suspension of its bread-making activities in all their bakeries beginning today, Tuesday.

The decision came following a meeting of the Union's national executive bureau. No reason was given for the cessation in activity or how long the bakers the suspension would be in place.

Tunisia has, for months, suffered from a shortage of bread that has caused long queues outside bakeries.

In December last year, thousands of bakeries closed their doors as part of a general strike to demand the government pay their dues in the context of subsidising the baking industry.