Price hike hits naan, roti in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Residents of the twin cities are reeling from a fresh wave of inflation as local tandoor and bread shop owners have abruptly raised prices of staple flatbreads, adding to the growing cost-of-living pressures for households.

Also read: Punjab CM directs for reduction in roti prices

Tandoor owners across Rawalpindi and Islamabad have begun charging arbitrary prices for basic bread items such as roti, naan, kulcha, and paratha, without any formal price regulation in place. The price of a standard roti has jumped from Rs15 to Rs20, while naan now costs Rs30 instead of Rs25.

Kulcha, a slightly thicker and softer variant, has increased from Rs30 to Rs40. Paratha, often consumed at breakfast, is being sold for Rs60, up from Rs50.

WHEAT PRICES BEHIND THE SURGE

While the increase in prices by tandoor owners will add to the already high inflationary pressures, it does entail a positive development for the agricultural sector of Pakistan. This increase is closely linked to the recent spike in wheat costs across Pakistan.

According to a report by Topline Securities earlier this year, wheat prices soared to a 19-week high of Rs710 per 10kg, or approximately Rs2,839 per 40kg; with some market rates even reaching up to Rs3,050.

Also read: Rising wheat, sugar prices raise hopes of rural economy recovery

The wheat price rebound is seen as a much-needed boost for farmers especially in light of the Rabi sowing season, after a year marked by heavy losses. Wheat production in FY25 dropped by 8.9 per cent, contributing to a broader 13.5 per cent decline in major crop output due to adverse weather, water shortages, and rising input costs. Farmers reportedly suffered average losses of over Rs10,000 per acre in the last season.

Moreover, the recent floods have also added to the food insecurity and wheat crop yield pressures, adding to the challenges of the agricultural sector.