- Roti sold at 80% increase over fixed rate.
- Hotel owners cite collective market practice.
- Administration faces heavy criticism for inaction.
The cost of a basic roti, a staple diet item, has soared in Gujranwala, with local hotel owners openly charging Rs 25, significantly exceeding the official government price cap. According to a detailed report filed by Zain Babu, correspondent for Daily Pakistan, this pricing defiance represents an 80% hike over the mandated rate of Rs 14 set by the provincial government for 100 grams of bread.
The report highlights a concerning trend of widespread market exploitation. Not only are consumers forced to pay nearly double the official price, but they are also frequently receiving roti weighing less than the required 100 grams, compounding the financial burden.
When questioned regarding the extreme prices, hotel owners reportedly offered an unusual defense, claiming that since every establishment in the area is charging Rs 25 for the simple Punjabi roti, their individual pricing is justified by prevailing market standards. This collective defiance suggests a significant breakdown in local price control enforcement.
Daily Pakistan’s reporting emphasizes the severe dereliction of duty by the local administration. Despite the clear and public violation of government directives and resulting widespread consumer distress, the district management appears to be completely inactive regarding enforcement. The continued inaction allows hoteliers to maintain their unofficial, inflated pricing, placing significant pressure on household budgets, especially for low and middle-income families.
This situation underscores a critical failure of the price control mechanism in Gujranwala, demanding immediate intervention from higher governmental authorities to ensure compliance with the official Rs 14 rate and to penalize those who continue to exploit consumers by manipulating both price and weight.