SWABI: After Rs500 increase in the price of 20kg flour bag during last three days, the nanbais (bakers) closed their tandoors on Tuesday and demanded immediate increase in the price of roti(bread).

The tandoor owners began their shutter down strike in Swabi city and threatened to stop baking and selling roti till the district administration accepted their demand.

They demanded Rs10 increase in the price of 170 grams bread, which was currently selling at Rs20, saying they were facing financial losses. They said that the present situation had forced them to demand an increase in the roti price.

However, officials of the district administration said that the price of bread was fixed at Rs20 per roti and there would be no further hike. They warned that action would be taken against those selling bread at the price higher than the fixed rate.

When contacted, additional deputy commissioner Gohar Ali said that fluctuations in the prices of commodities, including flour, continued in the market and at present they could not allow increase in the roti price because it would be a burden on the consumers.

Answering a question, he said that the district price review committee had the authority to increase the roti price.

The tandoor owners of Topi and Razaar areas also supported the demand of the district tandoor owners.

Meanwhile, people belonging to various walks of life in Chota Lahor tehsil blocked the Yar Hussain roadto traffic to record their protest against the recent increase in prices of flour and other essential commodities.

The protesters warned that they would not open the road till concrete steps were pledged by the officials of the district administration.

Later, they were assured by the local officials that their demands would be conveyed to the relevant officials. After this assurance, the protesters dispersed peacefully.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2023