ISLAMABAD: The residents of Rawalpindi early on Eid day saw prices of naan, roti and kulcha raised for the second time in a year by naanbais.

The price of kulcha has been increased by Rs3 to Rs15 each while that of pateer roti and naan by Rs2 each to Rs10 and Rs12, respectively. These rates had already been raised in Islamabad in mid-July on the ground that natural gas tariffs for bakeries had gone up.

Leaving with no reason for the increase the traditional bakers — naanbai — maintain that prices have to be equal between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. They also cited the overall inflation in the country for the increase in the rates. “Look at the rates; mills have even lowered the weight of a sack by a kilogramme and most importantly rents of shops have even reached Rs60,000 to Rs70,000 per month in Commercial Market and Saddar,” said Shafiq Qureshi, President Muttahida Naanbai Welfare Association, Rawalpindi.

Naanbais in twin cities had raised rates on Aug 16, 2018 on the ground that high rent was making their business unviable

At the same time, Mr Qureshi said flour mills had increased the prices of products by more than Rs1,000 per sack.

“Fine ata was Rs3,250 and maida Rs3,300 per 85 kg sack but now the price is Rs4,500 and the weight has been decreased to 84 kg,” he added.

But his statement was disputed by All Pakistan Flour Mills Association (APFMA) which said such an increase would have stirred a storm in the wheat market.

“There is an increase ranging between Rs200 and Rs300 per sack of 85 kg,” said Naeem Butt, chairman APFMA.

“However, there is a problem with retailers in all sectors as they always seek ways to fleece the customers and deceive the authorities.”

The mills have increased flour prices mainly due to purchase of wheat from the open market as government rates are announced almost in August every year and the government is scheduled to announce subsidised wheat rates for flour mills next week.

Earlier in July, APFMA had given a countrywide strike call after 17 per cent GST was imposed on flour mills by the government. But the notification was withdrawn later.

The naanbais of Rawalpindi on July 17 announced not to increase prices of naan and roti after their meeting with the deputy commissioner.

But talking to Dawn, Shafiq Qureshi denied any settlement with the Rawalpindi administration.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Imran Khan on July 31 decided to reverse the gas tariff to maintain the naan/roti rates.

The decision was made at a meeting of the cabinet and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan announced the decision at a press conference.

“The prime minister presided over a meeting on gas tariff and rates of naan and roti. He also called a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet today aimed at reducing the gas tariff, especially for tandoorwalas and cutting the price of wheat flour,” she said.

The naanbai associations in the twin cities had increased the rates of all products, including roti, naan, paratha and kulcha, on Aug 16, 2018, on the ground that high rent was making their business unviable.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2019