KARACHI: The Karachi commissioner’s recent decision to cut the prices of various flour varieties by Rs10-13 per kg has brought a slight reduction in the prices of some types of roti, but the benefit has not been fully passed on to consumers. Despite the price cuts, No. 2.5 flour, commonly used by tandoor operators, is still being sold for Rs80 per kg, while fine Atta and chakki flour continue to retail between Rs100-110 per kg.
A notification issued on April 17 fixed new retail prices for flour, with No. 2.5 flour now set at Rs70 per kg, fine Atta at Rs82 per kg, and chakki flour at Rs90 per kg, compared to the previous rates of Rs87, Rs92, and Rs100, respectively, on March 1, 2025. However, these price reductions have not resulted in a proportional decrease in roti prices.
While the price of chapati (100 grams) remains at Rs10 and tandoori naan (120 grams) at Rs15, the rates for larger tandoori naans have seen minimal cuts. For example, the price of a 140-150 gram tandoori naan dropped by Re1, from Rs18 to Rs17, and the price of a 180-gram naan decreased from Rs23 to Rs22. Despite these small reductions, many tandoor operators have not adhered to the official prices, with chapati prices ranging between Rs15-20 and tandoori naan between Rs20-25, depending on the weight and location.
One tandoor operator in F.B. Area has posted a notice defying the commissioner’s rate, charging Rs20 for a 140-gram roti and Rs25 for an 180-gram roti. This has created confusion, especially since different tandoors are charging varying prices for the same weight categories.
The commissioner has yet to announce official prices for Sheermal, Taftaan, and Kulcha, which continue to sell for Rs80-90 per piece and Rs70-80, respectively. Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association (KWGA) Chairman Rauf Ibrahim expressed that while the official prices for flour and rotis were reasonable, their implementation at the mass level remained lacking. He also urged the commissioner to ensure proper weight checks at tandoors to address consumer complaints.
Ibrahim attributed the drop in flour and roti prices to a decrease in wheat prices, which have fallen by Rs15 per kg in the open market to Rs59-60 per kg with the arrival of new wheat crops. He also called for a reduction in the prices of Sheermal, Taftaan, and Kulcha, as well as for bread makers to lower the prices of branded bread.
