A sharp increase in flour prices across the country has further intensified the difficulties of citizens already struggling with inflation. According to official documents released by the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has increased by Rs 40 to as much as Rs 590 in various cities within just one week.
The data shows that Islamabad has recorded the highest increase in the country, with the price of a 20-kilogram bag rising to Rs 2,893. During the same week, Sargodha witnessed the largest hike of Rs 590 in the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag.
Similarly, prices increased by Rs 226.66 in Multan, Rs 200 in Khuzdar, Rs 163.33 in Bahawalpur, and Rs 140 in Quetta. In Gujranwala, the price rose by Rs 134, while Islamabad and Rawalpindi saw increases of up to Rs 120. Flour prices went up by Rs 100 in Karachi, Peshawar, Sukkur, and Larkana; Rs 80 in Hyderabad and Sialkot; Rs 50 in Bannu; and Rs 40 in Lahore.
Following these increases, the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag has reached Rs 2,866 in Rawalpindi, Rs 2,850 in Peshawar, Rs 2,800 in Bannu, Rs 2,660 in Quetta, and Rs 2,600 in Karachi.
The continued rise in flour prices has added to the financial strain on inflation-hit citizens, with many expressing concern that increasing costs of basic food items are making daily life increasingly difficult for the common man.
