LAHORE: Bakers in Lahore have announced an increase in the prices of roti and naan, citing rising flour costs and higher fuel prices, despite government efforts to keep food prices under control.
Following the recent increase in petroleum prices, members of the Nanbai Association declared that the price of roti has been raised by Rs9, while naan has become Rs10 more expensive.
Under the revised rates, roti will now be sold for Rs25, while naan will cost Rs35.
Representatives of the Nanbai Association said the decision was unavoidable because the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag has reached Rs2,400. They warned that if the government does not allow bakers to sell bread at prices that reflect production costs, they may shut down their tandoors.
“We are purchasing a 20-kilogram flour bag for Rs2,400. If we are not permitted to sell roti at sustainable prices, we will have no option but to close our bakeries,” association representatives said.
The announcement comes despite government efforts to stabilize essential commodity prices and prevent additional inflationary pressure on consumers.
Responding to the development, the Director General (DG) Food said wheat prices are expected to decline over time, suggesting that flour prices may ease in the coming weeks.
The issue is not limited to Lahore. Flour prices have also risen in other parts of the country.
In Peshawar, the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag has increased by Rs300, reaching Rs3,000.
Similarly, in Quetta, a 20-kilogram flour bag is now being sold for Rs2,800, while roti is being sold at Rs40 at local tandoors.
The latest increase in bread prices reflects the broader impact of rising input costs, including flour and fuel, on everyday food items. Bakers argue that higher operating expenses have made it difficult to continue selling roti and naan at previous government-approved rates.
Consumers, meanwhile, are likely to face additional financial pressure as bread remains one of the most commonly consumed staple foods across Pakistan. The government has yet to announce whether it will revise official prices or introduce measures to address the concerns raised by bakers.
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