Roti, chapati prices rise amid LPG price surge

An increase in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices has led to a hike in roti and chapati rates across the metropolis, piling up financial burden on citizens already struggling with runaway inflation. Tandoor owners have increased prices by Rs5, citing higher production costs due to the surge in LPG rates, which is widely used in the absence of natural gas. LPG Association General Secretary and Karachi Gas owner Sajid Khan said there is no actual shortage of LPG in the country. He alleged that importers and certain market players are creating an artificial crisis to inflate prices and profit through black marketing. "LPG is being sold at unregulated rates, with prices increasing on a daily basis," he said, adding that the commodity is currently being sold between Rs500 and Rs530 per kilogram in different parts of the city. He warned that the artificial shortage could push prices even higher and criticised the government for failing to control the situation. He also pointed out that demand for LPG has surged due to the ongoing shortage of natural gas. Sajid Khan urged the government to take strict action against those involved in manipulating LPG prices. Meanwhile, tandoor owner Manzoor Hussain said most tandoors in the metropolis have shifted to LPG, significantly increasing their operational costs. "Due to the rise in LPG prices, we have no choice but to increase the rates of roti and chapati," he said. Following the increase, low-weight roti is now being sold at Rs25, heavier roti at Rs30, while chapati is priced at Rs20 in various parts of the city. Karachiites have expressed concern over the continuous rise in essential food items, stating that after milk, the increase in roti prices has further strained household budgets. They urged the government to take immediate measures to control prices and provide relief to the public.