The Muttahida Nanbai Association (Nanbai Association) has locked horns with the Punjab government over its recent reduction in bread prices. Despite government pronouncements, the association refuses to comply with the new pricing structure. On Wednesday, the Nanbai Association declared their stance, demanding a significant drop in flour and wheat prices before considering any reduction in bread costs. They specifically called for a flour bag price of Rs. 1,600 and wheat at Rs. 7,500. Meanwhile, reports indicate that several Lahore tandoors have already reverted to the previous, higher bread and naan prices. Punjab's Food Minister, Bilal Yasin, countered their claims. He emphasized that the new bread prices were established after thorough research, taking into account a recent Rs. 500 reduction in the price of a 20 kg flour bag. Yasin stressed that consumers should benefit from this decrease, and the new pricing structure factored in all bread-making costs, including oven expenses.

The Food Minister further asserted that the government is enforcing the new prices and taking legal action against violators. This commitment was echoed by visits from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif to Lahore tandoors. During these surprise inspections, Nawaz Sharif directed prominent display of the new price notification and stated that bread prices shouldn't exceed Rs. 20. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz officially announced the price reduction, setting bread at Rs. 16 and naan at Rs. 20, following the decline in flour prices across Punjab. The standoff between the Nanbai Association and the Punjab government remains unresolved. While the government vows enforcement, the association holds firm on its demands, creating uncertainty for consumers in Lahore and potentially other parts of Punjab.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan