Naan and Roti Prices to Increase

The Pakistan Naanbai Association, along with tandoor owners from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, has issued a one-week ultimatum to the government, demanding an official increase in the prices of roti, naan, and paratha.

The move comes in response to a sharp rise in the costs of flour, fine flour, and commercial gas cylinders, which tandoor operators say has made it impossible to continue selling bread at current rates.

According to Shafeeq Abbasi, central president of the association, the price of a 40kg sack of regular flour has surged to Rs. 6,000, while fine flour now costs Rs. 7,200 per sack—an increase of Rs. 500 and Rs. 600 respectively in just the past week. Abbasi warned that these prices are still climbing, putting further pressure on small businesses.

Compounding the crisis, tandoor owners report that Sui gas and LNG supplies have been completely cut off, forcing them to rely on commercial gas cylinders, which now cost Rs14,000 each. “Despite the extreme heat, no tandoor has access to Sui gas. Every tandoor operator is forced to buy expensive commercial gas cylinders to operate,” Abbasi said.

He added that the situation is further aggravated by rising electricity tariffs, increased shop rents, and higher wages for workers. The prices of essential ingredients such as ghee, oil, and dry milk have also spiked, making it “impossible to sell affordable bread.”

In a bid to address these challenges, the association has called for a joint convention of naanbai bodies from Islamabad and all districts of Punjab in Rawalpindi after Eid ul Azha. At this meeting, members will decide whether to officially announce new, higher prices for bread and naan or to launch a complete strike and protest.

Abbasi urged the government and Deputy Commissioners to intervene and set new, realistic prices for bread products. He warned that if their demands are not met, the All Punjab Tandoor Owners Convention will be forced to take strict measures, including a possible shutdown of tandoors across the region.

The looming threat of a strike has raised concerns about potential bread shortages in the twin cities and across Punjab, especially as inflation continues to squeeze both businesses and consumers.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned.