The Chairman of the Karachi Wholesale Grocers Association announced on Tuesday that wholesale markets, including Jodia Bazaar, Lea Market, Dandia Bazaar, Nanak Wara, Landhi, Malir, Korangi, and Liaquatabad, will remain closed tomorrow due to a strike.
The Jodia Bazar is Pakistan’s largest wholesale market, which will also remain closed tomorrow due to the strike.
As a result, the supply of food grains across the country will be affected because it mainly comes from Jodia Bazaar.
Association President Rauf Ibrahim said that it is unacceptable for shopkeepers to be arrested, fined, have their shops sealed, or be harassed over flour prices.
He said shopkeepers were only given Easypaisa payment numbers for the fines instead of official challan documents. The fines ranged from Rs50,000 to Rs150,000.
Rauf Ibrahim questioned why no action was being taken against flour mills. He said that expensive flour comes from the mills.
Further, he urged authorities to fine and seal the mills instead of targeting wholesale traders, adding that many wholesale shops are still sealed.
Naan, roti prices increase
Recently, the United Nanbai Association announced another increase in roti and naan prices in Lahore.
This increase in prices has added to the financial burden on people who are already struggling with the rising cost of living.
According to the new rates, a roti will now cost Rs25 and a naan will be Rs35. The association said that the price hike was necessary because flour prices and other operating costs have increased significantly.
They said a 20kg flour bag now costs around Rs2,400, while fine flour has reached Rs12,000.
Higher LPG and packaging prices have also made it difficult for tandoor owners to sell roti at the government set price of Rs16.
The association has given the government three days to hold talks. It has also added that tandoors across Lahore may shut down if their concerns are not addressed.
