Nanbai Association will shut tandoors in Rawalpindi on Oct 28 over flour prices. Expect closures and plan meals; talks with officials are urged.
Strike Date, Areas and What to Expect
On October 28, the Nanbai Association has declared a strike of the shutter-down all over Rawalpindi. The association says that every tandoor will be closed down on the same day. The residents are encouraged to arrange low consumption of roti and naan particularly lunch and dinner time. In case some shops are not closed, then they might experience long queues and increased demand. It can also affect public offices and schools which use the tandoors which are in the area.
Why Bakers Say Prices Are Unmanageable
Association President Shafiq Qureshi tells him association cannot sell cheap bread anymore, as the flour prices continue to rise. He said that the cost of an 80kg bag of flour is now approximately Rs10,500. The group has indicated that the prices of flour, fine flour and refined flour have increased almost twice in the last two months. Bakers believe that unless subsidy is provided or a fixed price of flour, it is impossible to maintain the price of tandoor at low rates to the masses.
Allegations of MPO Cases and Shop Seals
The association claims that the district administration has formed retaliatory measures such as arrests according to the 3-MPO law and registering cases. It alleges that the police are present at a few tandoors, a few outlets are closed and over 25 Nanbais are arrested. The association has not publicly issued any comprehensive information, but officials have the administration to blame in the inability to contain the spike of flour prices.
How the Strike Affects Households and Vendors
To families, a day close will imply making meals without making regular purchases of roti and naan. It can also result in a decrease in sales of street vendors that sell chana, nihari or sabzi with naan. In case of prolonged and repeated closures, catering services and mini restaurants will be prone to increased expenses or shortages. It will affect low income earning households most since they depend on tandoor bread as their main meals on a day-to-day basis.
Simple Tips and Possible Next Steps
- Prepare meals a day before: prepare rice and chapati- cook at home or prepare paratha/roti in advance.
- small amounts of flour, when it is limited to store, should be considered; see fair-price stores.
- Adhere to the official updates regarding any of the negotiations between the association and the administration.
- Contact the local helpline about any forced closures or price gouging.
- The welfare groups and community kitchens can be used to assist needy families in the short term.
- The association has threatened that the shutter-down planned on Oct 28 would proceed unless relief is declared.
