The roti price debate has intensified in Lahore after the United Nanbai Association announced another increase in the cost of roti and naan, citing a sharp rise in flour prices and other operating expenses. The decision has sparked concern among consumers, while the district administration has warned that strict action will be taken against anyone charging above the officially approved rates without authorization.
According to the association, a plain roti will now cost Rs. 25, while naan will be sold for Rs. 35. Bakery owners and tandoor operators say the increase has become unavoidable because the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag has climbed to around Rs. 2,400. They also pointed to the soaring cost of fine flour, which has reportedly reached Rs. 12,000 per bag, making it increasingly difficult to continue selling bread at previous rates.
The Nanbai Association further explained that flour is not the only factor driving the increase. Higher prices of LPG, packaging materials, labor, and other operational costs have significantly affected the business. Representatives argued that selling roti at the government-notified price of Rs. 16 is no longer financially sustainable. They have urged the Punjab government to begin talks with the association within the next three days to find a workable solution. If their demands are not addressed, they have warned that tandoors across Lahore could be shut down.
This is not the first revision in roti prices. Earlier, the association raised the price of roti from Rs. 14 to Rs. 20, while naan was fixed at Rs. 30. Despite the latest announcement, district authorities have maintained that only officially notified prices can be charged. Officials have reiterated that action will be taken against violators to protect consumers from unauthorized price hikes.
Meanwhile, similar trends are being observed in Karachi, where several tandoors have also increased the price of roti by Rs. 5, with many vendors now charging Rs. 25 instead of the previous Rs. 20, reflecting the growing impact of rising food production costs across Pakistan.
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