Flour prices have risen sharply across major cities in Pakistan, including Hyderabad and Peshawar, as limited government wheat supplies and rising costs push the staple’s price higher for consumers.
In Hyderabad, the cost of a 20kg flour bag increased from Rs2,400 to Rs2,600, while Peshawar saw a rise of up to Rs200 per 20kg bag within a single week, reflecting tightening supply conditions.
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Flour mills have slowed or halted grinding operations in several regions, citing high wheat costs of Rs4,600 per maund, making it unsustainable to sell flour at government-controlled rates.
Punjab’s wheat release remains largely limited to Lahore, leaving South and Central Punjab markets facing significant shortages, as local millers warn that rising costs could push flour prices even higher.
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Asim Raza of the Flour Mills Association explained that supply strictly follows government-issued wheat, emphasizing that both scarcity and high costs are contributing to escalating prices compared to last year.
However, the Food Department refuted claims of shortage, stating Punjab holds 800,000 metric tons of wheat and maintains official flour rates at Rs905 for 10kg and Rs1,810 for 20kg, assuring no unjustified price hikes.