Cheap wheat, expensive roti

October 19, 2026

The increase in Lahore’s roti price from Rs17 to Rs20 is another reminder that the cost of the government’s agricultural decisions is ultimately borne by ordinary citizens. For families already struggling to manage household expenses, an additional Rs3 for a staple food item may appear small, but the cumulative burden becomes significant when several rotis are purchased every day.

The Punjab government must explain how its wheat policy is serving farmers and consumers alike. Farmers have complained about low wheat prices and the difficulties of recovering their production costs. When growers feel discouraged from cultivating wheat because the returns do not justify their expenses, the consequences can extend beyond rural incomes to the entire food supply chain.

The government’s approach to wheat procurement and pricing deserves scrutiny. If farmers are discouraged by low prices and the state subsequently has to purchase wheat at higher rates to meet its requirements, policymakers must explain the economic logic behind such a strategy. The costs of procurement, storage and market management can ultimately affect the price consumers pay for flour and other wheat products.

However, the increase in roti prices cannot automatically be attributed to wheat policy alone. Tandoor owners have cited rising flour and refined flour prices, as well as unreliable gas supplies that force them to use more expensive cylinders. These claims deserve examination, alongside the question of whether the reported reduction in dough weight is justified or amounts to an unfair burden on consumers.

The government cannot control every market fluctuation, but it is responsible for creating a predictable agricultural and food pricing system. Policies that fail to provide farmers with reasonable returns while allowing food costs to rise leave both producers and consumers dissatisfied. Farmers need incentives to grow wheat, while households need affordable flour and bread.

The immediate priority should be to establish the actual reasons behind the price increase. Authorities should monitor flour prices, verify the weight and quality of roti, and examine the costs faced by tandoor operators. Any relief must be based on evidence rather than administrative announcements.

Food security cannot be measured simply by how much wheat a country produces or purchases. It must also be measured by whether ordinary people can afford to eat. If farmers struggle to earn a reasonable income and consumers struggle to buy affordable bread, the policy framework needs serious reconsideration.