Karachi’s recent roti price cut has not reduced confusion among residents. Tandoor operators mostly ignore new chapati and naan prices of Rs12 and Rs17. Customers still pay Rs15-20 for chapati and Rs25-30 for naan, citing higher weights.
Roti makers often leave weight details off price lists. Tandoor owners say only small eateries sell 120-gram naans and 100-gram chapatis. Regular shops sell naans and chapatis weighing 140-150 grams and 170-180 grams for Rs25 and Rs30, respectively.
The commissioner’s lack of pricing for larger breads has caused buyer uncertainty. A tandoor operator noted that 120-gram naans dry out and lose softness quickly, requiring the purchase of multiple units.
Sheermal, Taftaan, and Kulcha remain at Rs70-90 despite falling flour prices. Tandoors use fine flour for naan and a flour mix for chapatis.
Commissioner teams are enforcing new chapati and naan rates. On May 11, 2024, three tandoors were sealed for not complying. However, these actions are seen as inadequate given Karachi’s extensive number of tandoors.
City Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi ordered deputy commissioners to enforce the official roti rates and warned tandoor owners about non-compliance. Salman Mian from the All Sindh Tandoor and Sheermal House Association said some members are complying but offer higher-priced, heavier options.
Rauf Ibrahim, Chairman of the Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association, criticized the lack of enforcement against overcharging bakeries and confectioneries.
Extensive gas load-shedding has led tandoors to extend operations; meeting increased demand after 9:30 PM when gas is off until 6 AM.
While official milk prices are enforced, the effectiveness of broader price regulation is still uncertain.
