The recent rise in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices has driven up the cost of roti and chapati across Karachi, increasing financial pressure on residents amid ongoing inflation.
Tandoor owners have raised prices by Rs5, citing higher production costs since many outlets now depend on LPG due to limited natural gas supply. Sajid Khan said there is no actual shortage of LPG in the country, claiming that some market players are creating an artificial crisis to push up prices through black marketing.
He added that LPG is being sold at unregulated rates, ranging between Rs500 and Rs530 per kilogram in different areas, with prices rising daily. Khan warned that the situation could worsen if left unchecked and criticized the government for not controlling prices. He also noted that demand for LPG has surged because of the ongoing gas shortage.
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Khan urged authorities to take strict action against those manipulating prices. A local tandoor owner, Manzoor Hussain, said most tandoors have switched to LPG, which has significantly increased operating costs.
He explained that the rise in LPG prices has left vendors with no choice but to increase the prices of roti and chapati. Following the hike, low-weight roti is being sold at Rs25, heavier roti at Rs30, and chapati at Rs20 in different parts of the city.
Residents have voiced concern over the growing cost of essential food items, saying that the rise in roti prices after milk has further strained household budgets and urging the government to take immediate steps.