Roti and chapati prices rise in Karachi after LPG rates increase

KARACHI: An increase in liquefied petroleum gas prices has pushed up the rates of roti and chapati across Karachi, adding to the financial pressure on residents already dealing with high inflation.

Tandoor operators in different parts of the city have raised prices by Rs5, saying their production costs have gone up because of the jump in LPG rates. The fuel is widely used by tandoors in the absence of natural gas.

LPG Association General Secretary and Karachi Gas owner Sajid Khan said there was no real shortage of LPG in the country. He alleged that importers and some market players were creating an artificial crisis to drive up prices and make profits through black marketing. "LPG is being sold at unregulated rates, with prices increasing on a daily basis," he lamented.

He said the commodity was currently being sold at between Rs500 and Rs530 per kilogram in different areas of Karachi. He warned that the artificial shortage could send prices even higher and criticised the government for not bringing the situation under control.

Sajid Khan also said demand for LPG had increased because of the continuing shortage of natural gas. He urged the government to take strict action against those involved in manipulating LPG prices.

Tandoors shift to LPG amid gas shortage

Tandoor owner Manzoor Hussain said most tandoors in Karachi had shifted to LPG, which had sharply increased their operating expenses. "Due to the rise in LPG prices, we have no choice but to increase the rates of roti and chapati," he added.

Following the latest increase, low-weight roti is being sold at Rs25, heavier roti at Rs30, and chapati at Rs20 in various parts of the city.

Residents have voiced concern over the continued increase in the prices of essential food items. They said that after the rise in milk prices, the increase in roti prices had placed further strain on household budgets.

Citizens also called on the government to take immediate steps to control prices and provide relief to the public.

The increase in bread prices comes as LPG use has expanded in the city because of shortages of natural gas, linking fuel costs directly to the price of a basic food item consumed widely across households.