RAWALPINDI (Kashmir English): A severe flour crisis has started to emerge in Rawalpindi and its surrounding areas, due to which a huge increase has been recorded in the prices of open market and government flour.
The sudden increase in flour prices in Rawalpindi and its adjoining areas has caused severe problems for local bakers. Reacting strongly to this crisis in the market, bakers have demanded that the government either immediately reduce the prices of flour or give formal permission to bakers to increase the prices of bread and roti. Bakers say that it is no longer possible for them to run their business at the current prices.
According to the latest data obtained from market sources, the price of an 80-kilogram sack of fine flour has exceeded Rs 11,300 in the market. On the other hand, the price of an 80-kg bag of red flour has also gone above Rs 10,300 in the market. This sharp increase in prices has badly affected the budgets of tandoor owners and bread sellers.
This recent flour crisis is not limited to the open market only, but the government flour available for the poor and middle class has also been hit by severe inflation.
According to sources, a 20-kg bag of government flour, which was earlier available for Rs 1,850, has now become expensive by Rs 400 to reach a high level of Rs 2,250. This increase has immensely increased the problems of the common citizens.
Bread sellers are of the opinion that the prices of flour have increased to such an extent that they are completely unable to sell roti and naan at the old price.
He has warned that if the government does not reduce the prices of flour, they will be forced to increase the prices of naan and roti on their own. The Nanbai Association has called an emergency meeting to consider this serious situation in detail.
Sources say that in this meeting, a nationwide strike against expensive flour, protests, and other important issues, including the spontaneous increase in the prices of naan and roti, will be discussed, and a strict plan of action will be formally announced.
