Islamabad: Flour prices have increased in several cities across Pakistan, adding to public concerns over rising living costs, while mill owners and government authorities cite different reasons behind the price hike.
According to details, flour prices in Hyderabad have risen by Rs 10 to Rs 20 per kilogram, pushing the price of a 20-kilogram bag from Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,600. Chakki owners say the price of wheat has surged significantly, with an increase of Rs1,300 to Rs1,500 per 100-kilogram bag, directly impacting flour prices.
In Peshawar, flour prices have also gone up, with the cost of a 20-kilogram bag increasing by up to Rs200 within a single week, causing concern among residents.
Sources from the Flour Mills Association said that the shortage of flour continues in Punjab due to the non-release of government wheat, while conditions in southern and central Punjab are becoming increasingly critical. They said government wheat release is limited to Lahore, and 10-kilogram flour bags are unavailable in other cities. Due to expensive wheat, flour mills have reportedly halted grinding operations, stating that it is not feasible to sell flour at lower rates after purchasing wheat at Rs4,600 per maund.
Flour Mills Association group leader Asim Raza said the mills are supplying flour to the market strictly according to the quantity of wheat provided by the department. He added that wheat is both scarce and expensive, and compared to last year, wheat release has been extremely low this year. He warned that flour prices are rising and may increase further.
Meanwhile, the Food Department spokesperson rejected reports of a shortage, stating that 800,000 metric tons of wheat are currently available in the province. The spokesperson said Punjab has a single official flour rate, with a 10-kilogram bag priced at Rs905 and a 20-kilogram bag at Rs1,810, adding that flour prices have not increased in Punjab and will not be allowed to rise.
