Peshawar Roti Crisis Deepens As Flour Prices Hit Record High

A sharp increase in wheat flour prices has triggered a roti crisis in Peshawar, where households are facing higher bread costs, shrinking portions and limited availability of official-rate flour. The price of a 20-kilogramme flour bag has climbed to Rs3,300 in the open market, intensifying public frustration over what residents and traders describe as an artificial shortage.

Commercial flour rates have risen quickly as government-subsidised flour remains largely unavailable in the open market. Coarse flour weighing 20 kilogrammes is now being sold for Rs3,300, while the same quantity of fine flour is priced at Rs3,120. An 80-kilogramme bag of coarse flour has reached Rs13,200, and 20 kilogrammes of chokar is being sold for Rs1,480.

The rising prices have quickly affected tandoors and ordinary consumers. Bakers have increased the price of a 50-gram single roti to Rs30, marking a Rs10 increase. In several busy areas, including Khyber Bazaar, Ashraf Road, Karachi Market, Namak Mandi and Government College Chowk, single rotis are no longer being sold, and only double rotis are available at Rs40 each.

Residents have also complained that the weight of rotis is continuing to fall despite the higher prices. For low-income families, this means the same daily meal now costs more while providing less food. The pressure is especially severe because roti remains a staple item for working households, students and daily wage earners.

The price surge has also raised concerns about profiteering and hoarding. Flour dealers are reported to have earned large profits within days as prices moved upward. Allegations have surfaced that an artificial shortage is being created, prompting law-enforcement agencies to begin monitoring major dealers and warehouses across the city.

The local administration has faced criticism for remaining silent despite the rising prices and reduced roti weight. Citizens have appealed to the authorities to act against bakers and sellers who refuse to provide roti according to the official rate list and prescribed weight.

The Food Department says official supplies are continuing across the province. It stated that 417,168 bags of flour were distributed at official rates last week through 1,611 active flour dealers, with Peshawar Division receiving 101,955 bags and other divisions also receiving allocations.

The department also said 3,000 metric tonnes of government wheat from the provincial strategic reserve is being released daily to flour mills. According to the department, citizens are receiving 20-kilogramme bags of official flour at Rs2,520 through selected dealers, while eight flour mills have been fined for violating standard operating procedures.

The crisis now leaves households caught between official claims of supply and market realities of higher prices, reduced bread weight and limited availability. Unless enforcement improves and official-rate flour reaches consumers more visibly, pressure on families and tandoor operators is likely to continue.