French energy suppliers will allow bakeries to renegotiate their contracts if they struggle to pay their bills, according to Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire. The relief comes to support the country’s bread and patisserie manufacturers cope with the surge in energy costs.

“This is the commitment all of the suppliers without exception made today, that they will accept to dissolve contracts when prices have risen prohibitively high and unsustainable for some bakeries,” Reuters quoted Le Maire saying on January 3, following a crisis meeting between the energy companies and the government.

Dominique Anract, the president of the French Bakers’ Confederation, also told Reuters that getting rid of “rotten contracts” was one of the sector’s main demands.

Bakery power contracts can now be reviewed on a case-by-case basis depending on bakeries’ unique circumstances. The measure will provide needed relief, especially to the small and medium-sized bakeries in the country. There are also additional plans in the works, which will allow bakers to pay their taxes in installments throughout the year.

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