ISLAMABAD: Traditional bakers, known as nanbai, have been warned that the authorities will launch a drive against them starting today (Friday) because of the unilateral decision to raise the prices of roti, naan, paratha, roghni naan and kulcha on the grounds that high rents in Islamabad is making their business unviable.

The General Nanbai Association (GNA), which represents the bakers, has issued a printed rates list to selected outlets highlighting new prices.

These show an increase of around 25pc not just in the prices of parathas and roghni naans, but also the everyday naan.

The price of naan or khamirinaan has been increased from Rs2 to Rs10, while roti or patiri will now cost Rs8 instead of Rs1. The prices of parathas and roghninaan have increased from Rs5 to Rs25 each, while kulcha will now cost Rs12 instead of Rs10.

The bakers had approached the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration to review the prices of various products in May, but the matter was shelved due to the overall political situation and because of Ramazan.

However, bakers have gradually increased prices of their products, starting from high-end markets in the F sectors and then moving to other areas.

The GNA finally issued its printed price list on Aug 14.

The GNA defended its decision, saying the cost of rent and gas has surged to unbearable limits.

“The last rates were revised in 2012-13, and I was paying Rs8,000 in rent at that time. Now the landlord has increased the rent to Rs20,000 per month,” GNA Finance Secretary Mohammad Riaz.

“This high rents issue is a serious problem in Islamabad, even for residential tenants, and it is worse for commercial buildings,” he said.

He added that gas charges have also risen significantly in the last six years.

However, decisions regarding price increases have to be notified by the ICT administration after the consent of the Islamabad Market Committee.

An official from the deputy commissioner’s office told Dawn notified rates in the capital are Rs7 for patiri, Rs8 for naan, Rs10 for kulcha and each has to weigh 120 grams.

“Citizens should register complaints to the control room of the deputy commissioner’s office and inform them about the illegal hike in prices,” the official said.

“They have tried to take advantage of the political situation, as all the officials are busy with several duties ranging from the courts, protests, law and order and political developments,” the official said.

Market Committee Chairman Roshdil Hoti said the decision was illegal and several bakers have already been issued warnings. A drive will be launched on Friday, he added.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2018