LAHORE: Prices of naan and khameri roti have been increased by Rs2 a piece in most of localities in the Punjab capital.

Before Eidul Fitr, a roti and naan were available for Rs8 per piece while ‘saadi’ or ‘pateeri’ roti for Rs7 each.

A survey revealed that naan and khameri roti were being sold for Rs10 a piece and ‘pateeri’ or ‘saadi’ roti for Rs8 at Ichhra, Mozang, Samanabad, Saidpur, Shahnoor and Thokar Niaz Beg on Multan Road, Bakar Mandi and Sherakot, Gulshan-i-Ravi, Sanda, Islampura, Rajgarh, Santnagar, Ravi Road, Datanagar, Badami Bagh, Misri Shah, Wasanpura, Ghoray Shah main bazaar, Gol Bagh in Shadbagh, Daroghawala main bazaar, Makkah Colony and Guru Mangat Road in Gulberg.

Many owners of tandoors (earthen oven) had also displayed a new price list issued by their association in these areas.

They told this reporter the exorbitant hike in inputs’ cost forced them to opt for the raise.

Representatives of the Mutahidda Naan Roti Bakers, the Hotel and Tandoor Owners and the Lahore Naanbai Association said it was not possible for them to sell their products at pre-Eid prices.

“Gas and electricity tariff besides prices of polythene bags, fine flour and sesame seeds have gone up manifolds. The prices of wood used in tandoor have also increased between Rs1,200 and Rs1,400 for 40 kilo.

In fact, the production charges per roti or naan have increased by Rs1.50 but we have not passed on the whole burden to the consumers,” said a spokesman for the Lahore Naanbai Association.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2014