Roti Prices to Increase as Talks Collapse Between Bakers and Government

Talks between the government, district administration, and representatives of the All Bakers’ Organizations have failed, leading to an impending price hike for roti and related items.

Baker groups from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and 43 other districts in Punjab, under the banner of the Pakistan Nanbai Association, have announced that prices for roti, naan, paratha, and roghani naan will increase starting Tuesday, September 9.

This decision has alarmed district authorities, who called for an emergency meeting with the bakers’ leadership. However, association leaders have refused to attend, reportedly avoiding contact to escape possible arrests.

According to Shafiq Qureshi, Central President of the Pakistan Nanbai Association, a sharp increase in flour prices has made it impossible to maintain current rates.

• A 79 kg sack of red flour, which cost Rs5,435 on August 31, is now priced at Rs9,200 at flour mills and up to Rs9,700 in the open market.
• Fine flour has jumped from Rs6,200 to Rs9,800, with some markets charging as high as Rs10,400.

Qureshi emphasized that selling roti at Rs14 is no longer viable. The new prices will be:

• Surkh Patiri Roti: Rs20
• Naan and Paratha: Increased by Rs5 each

He further stated that the bakers are willing to reverse the price hike if the government brings flour prices back to previous levels, adding, “We cannot sell cheap roti when flour sacks cost over Rs9,000.”

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