In a decisive stance against the recent government directive to slash the prices of naan and roti, the Muttahida Nanbai Roti Association has vehemently opposed the move, citing critical economic factors that render the reduction untenable.
The Bakers Association, representing the interests of naan and roti producers, rebuffed the mandated price cuts, arguing that the decision lacked necessary considerations for the prevailing economic landscape. Highlighting the intricacies of cost calculation, they emphasized that when the price of roti was initially set at Rs20, it was under the context of a 20 kg bag of flour priced at Rs2100. Any reduction in the price of naan and roti, therefore, necessitates a corresponding decrease in the cost of flour and related fines, which, as per the Association, was conspicuously absent.
President of the Nanbai Association underscored the significant overhead costs incurred in the production process, particularly pointing out the absence of subsidies on essential utilities such as gas and electricity. Notably, nanbai operations rely heavily on Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), the price of which remains unsubsidized by the government. This, according to the Association, poses a fundamental challenge to any prospective reduction in the price of bread.
Despite the issuance of a government notification mandating the decrease in naan and roti prices, the ground reality remains unchanged. Rotis continue to be sold at the previously established rate of Rs20 across tandoors, with no tangible implementation of the new pricing structure, which stipulates roti to be sold at Rs16 and naan at Rs20.
The recent developments come in the wake of a notification issued by Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, aiming to cap the price of roti at Rs15 and naan at Rs20. However, the resistance from the Muttahida Nanbai Roti Association underscores the challenges in reconciling governmental directives with the practicalities of the market, particularly in the absence of requisite subsidies and supportive economic measures.
As stakeholders on both sides stand firm on their positions, the impasse continues, raising questions about the feasibility and effectiveness of price control measures without addressing the underlying economic constraints faced by producers.