Bread prices to rise after Eid

Naanbai Association keeps prices unchanged till 30th Ramazan despite cost surge

RAWALPINDI:

The General Council of the Pakistan Naanbai Association has announced that despite a record increase in the prices of flour, fine flour, sesame, ghee, LPG cylinders, labour and tandoor rents in the country's history, the current prices of roti and naan will be maintained until 30th Ramazan.

However, from the day of Eidul Fitr, the price of roti and naan will be increased by Rs5, while paratha and roghni naan prices will be raised by Rs10.

The association stated that the district administration has completely failed and become helpless in controlling the prices of flour, fine flour and materials used in the preparation of roti and naan.

The beginning of the new year 2026 has broken the 78-year record of price hikes in essential commodities. The general council meeting was attended by district, tehsil and city office-bearers from Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Murree and Talagang districts.

The meeting was chaired by Central President Shafiq Qureshi.

The central president informed that in the open market, the price of a 79-kg flour bag rose from Rs7,600 to Rs11,700 before the new year, while the fine flour bag increased from Rs8,200 to Rs12,600 during the same period.

By 30th Ramazan, a further increase of Rs1,700 to Rs2,200 per bag is expected. The price of a commercial gas cylinder has reached Rs16,000. Labour costs for bread baking, dough kneading and making dough balls have increased by Rs500, while tandoor rents and electricity bills have multiplied manifold.

He said the old prices of roti, naan and paratha have become unacceptable, but since Ramazan is the month of blessings, a unanimous decision was taken to maintain prices during Ramazan. Prices will be increased either on Eid day or after the three Eid holidays.

He added that despite repeatedly submitting applications to the food controller, deputy commissioner and PML-N ministers, no relief was provided. When magistrates visit and are shown bills reflecting increased material costs, they respond that it is not their problem and that roti prices cannot be increased, even suggesting shutting down tandoors.

"We are exhausted. If challans or fines are imposed, first all tandoors in Rawalpindi Division will be shut down, followed by closure across Punjab," the association warned.