Food inflation hits daily wagers

By the end of 2025, basic food items like whole wheat roti, white flour roti, naan, paratha and even cups of tea reached new heights of expenses at tandoors, carts and small hotels in the twin cities which are frequented by poor people in the hopes of finding affordable food.

The labourers who used to have roti with tea for Rs100 to Rs130 in commercial markets, transport hubs, workshops and big markets, are now struggling to feed themselves. Last year, the price of red bran-mixed flour roti was increased from Rs14 to Rs15, and its weight was also reduced by 30 per cent, due to which red bran-mixed flour roti became like papad and the labourers who used to eat one roti now have to eat two to feel full.

The price of white flour roti and yeast roti has been increased from Rs20 to Rs30, and price of naan has been increased from Rs25 to Rs35. Tandoori paratha and oiled naan prices increased from Rs40 to Rs60. Fried tawa paratha prices have also been increased from Rs40 to Rs60. A cup of tea, which used to be Rs70, has also been increased to Rs100.