Roti prices rise across Pakistan as wheat, flour rates soar due to flood-induced supply chain disruptions

Following a surge in sugar prices, consumers across Pakistan are now facing higher costs for flour and roti, as wheat and flour prices continue to climb. The situation has been further worsened by the recent flash floods in Punjab, which disrupted supply chains, putting additional pressure on food prices nationwide.

As per reports, tandoor operators in Karachi have raised the price of various roti varieties by an average of Rs2 per piece. This increase is expected to have a significant impact on low- and middle-income groups, especially daily wage earners who rely on local eateries for affordable meals.

In addition to rising roti prices in Karachi, negotiations between the government, district administration, and the All Bakers’ Organisations to increase roti prices have failed. 

Under the Pakistan Nanbai Association, bakery organizations from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and all 43 districts of Punjab have announced that they will independently raise the prices of roti, naan, paratha, and roghani naan starting from Tuesday, September 9.

The announcement has triggered a response from the district administration, who have called for an emergency meeting with the Bakers’ Organisations. However, the bakers’ leaders have gone into hiding to avoid arrests and have refused to meet with officials. 

Shafiq Qureshi, the central president of the Pakistan Nanbai Association, stated that the price of red flour, which was Rs5,435 per 79 kg sack until August 31, has now jumped to Rs9,200 in mills and Rs9,700 in the open market. 

Similarly, fine flour, which was previously priced at Rs6,200 per sack, is now being sold for Rs9,800 to Rs10,400 in the market. As a result, the price of Surkh Patiri bread has risen to Rs20 from Rs14, and naan and paratha prices are also expected to increase by Rs5.

Meanwhile, in Karachi, flour prices have also climbed. Some branded flour millers have raised the cost of a five-kilogram bag of fine flour to Rs700, up from Rs500 in August and Rs600 in September. This price hike comes despite the new wheat crop having arrived earlier this year. Retailers report that large traders may be capitalizing on high demand for old flour stocks, further driving up prices.

Market analysts suggest the wheat shortage is not related to the recent floods in Punjab and other areas, as the new crop was harvested in March and April. However, stockists and hoarders are reportedly holding substantial wheat stocks, waiting for further price hikes triggered by supply-demand dynamics.

Salman Mian Araieen, a member of the All Sindh Sheermal Tandoor Roti Association, noted that tandoor operators, who previously sold naan for Rs22-23 per piece, have raised the price to Rs25. Chapati prices have also increased, now costing Rs14-15 per piece, up from Rs11-12. Despite the rise in flour prices, some tandoors have refrained from fully passing on the increase, waiting for a potential reversal. 

Araieen pointed out that the cost of a 50 kg bag of fine atta has risen by Rs1,900 in just one month, now costing Rs5,700, up from Rs3,800. However, prices for sheermal and taftan remain steady, even as sugar prices have climbed to Rs200 per kg from Rs180, and ghee prices surged from Rs6,500 to Rs7,900 for a 16kg tin. Sheermal and taftan prices are currently at Rs70-90 per piece, depending on weight and quality. If flour prices continue to rise, an additional Rs10 per piece may be added to these items.

Some tandoor owners are reportedly considering discontinuing the sale of Rs20 naan, as the price no longer covers their costs. Araieen mentioned that the price of a 40 kg wheat bag has now reached Rs3,943, a record high not seen in 72 weeks, last observed in April 2024.