Flour prices soar as bread, naan price hike looms

With the start of the new year 2026, inflation-hit citizens have been handed yet another price shock.

In the open market, red flour has been increased by Rs1,800, raising the price of a 79-kg bag from Rs9,100 to Rs10,900. Similarly, fine flour (maida) has been raised by Rs2,700 per 79-kg bag, increasing the price from Rs9,400 to Rs12,100.

In response, the All Pakistan Nanbai Association has convened a joint meeting of district and tehsil organisations from six districts of the Rawalpindi Division — Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Jhelum and Murree — on January 6 to deliberate another increase in the prices of roti, naan and paratha.

Association central president Shafiq Qureshi said flour prices have become uncontrollable, terming the sudden increase of thousands of rupees as a cruel measure.

He added that the subsidised red flour provided by the Food Department in the name of relief is filled with bran and is supplied after days of hardship.

He said a requisition has already been submitted to the deputy commissioner for an immediate increase in bread prices. He warned that in the upcoming divisional meeting, a complete shutdown strike of tandoors or a unilateral increase in roti and naan prices would be decided.