Flour and roti prices have increased across Pakistan, adding more financial pressure on citizens already struggling with rising sugar and ghee costs. In Karachi, tandoor owners have increased the price of roti and naan by Rs. 2 per piece.
The sharpest rise is seen in branded flour. A five-kilogram bag that cost Rs. 500 on August 1 and Rs. 600 on September 1 has now reached Rs. 700. Retailers say traders holding old flour stocks are taking advantage of rising demand and pocketing extra profit.
Market observers argue that the wheat crisis is not linked to recent floods. Instead, stockists and hoarders are said to be holding large quantities of wheat, waiting for further price jumps. The new wheat crop was harvested earlier this year in March/April, but supplies are not reaching the market as expected.
Salman Mian Araieen of the All Sindh Sheermal Tandoor Roti Association confirmed the hike. Naan that was earlier sold for Rs. 22–23 (180 grams) is now priced at Rs. 25. Chapati, which was Rs. 11–12, now costs Rs. 14–15. He added that a 50kg fine flour bag has gone from Rs. 3,800 to Rs. 5,700 in just one month.
READ MORE: Roti, Naan Prices Expected to Increase As Flour Rates Surge
Despite flour rates soaring, the prices of sheermal and taftan remain the same for now at Rs. 70–90 per piece. But if costs keep climbing, another Rs. 10 may soon be added. Sugar is also selling at Rs. 200 per kg, up from Rs. 180, while a 16 kg tin of ghee has reached Rs. 7,900 compared to Rs. 6,500 in recent months.
Some tandoor owners are thinking about discontinuing the Rs. 20 naan (140–145 grams) since it no longer covers expenses. Meanwhile, the price of a 40 kg wheat bag has hit Rs. 3,943, the highest in 72 weeks, last recorded in April 2024.
