Nanbai Association Resists Roti Price Reduction

The Muttahida Nanbai Roti Association in Lahore has firmly rejected the recent reduction in naan and roti prices. The Bakers Association also stood against the price decrease, citing concerns over the cost of flour and lack of government subsidies on essential utilities.

The President of the Nanbai Association highlighted that the price of roti was previously set at Rs20, corresponding to a 20 kg bag of flour priced at Rs2100. The association emphasized the need for prior notification regarding any price adjustments, including those related to flour and fines.

Moreover, the Nanbai Association pointed out that despite government notifications to lower bread prices, the actual prices at tandoors remained unchanged. Roti continued to be sold at Rs20, disregarding the proposed rates of Rs16 for roti and Rs20 for naan.

The President further explained that the lack of subsidies on gas and electricity, essential for baking operations using Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), made it challenging to reduce bread prices as directed by the government.

Notably, the recent notification by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz to fix the price of roti at Rs15 and naan at Rs20 has not been effectively implemented, leading to ongoing tensions between the authorities and the bakery associations.

The resistance from the Muttahida Nanbai Roti Association and the Bakers Association underscores the complexities involved in regulating food prices amidst economic challenges and resource constraints. The discrepancy between government directives and practical implementation highlights the need for comprehensive policies that consider all stakeholders' perspectives to ensure fair pricing and sustainable practices in the food industry.