Roller flour mills and chakki owners in Sindh have reluctantly agreed to lift wheat from the food department’s godowns after the provincial government revised the issue price downward, officials and industry representatives said on Thursday.
The food department has fixed the wheat issue price at Rs8,000 per 100kg bag, reducing it from the earlier rate of Rs9,500. Millers and chakki owners had previously refused to purchase wheat at the higher price, arguing that better-quality grain was available in the open market at lower rates.
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Officials said the revised price was aimed at disposing of old wheat stocks ahead of the arrival of the new crop. Former food secretary Bachal Rahpoto told Dawn that around 1.265 million tonnes of wheat were currently stored in the department’s godowns, including stocks procured during the 2024–25 season and earlier years.
In Karachi, flour millers raised operational concerns over lifting wheat from Pipri godown, which is managed by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan. All Pakistan Flour Mills Association South Zone President Junaid Aziz said restricted entry timings at the godown were causing logistical problems despite millers having deposited payment challans.
Millers agreed to lift wheat after their reservations over procurement by traders were addressed and the issue price was revised. However, serious concerns remain over the quality of the stored wheat, as no procurement was carried out during the 2025–26 season.
Millers said older stocks would need to be blended with open-market wheat to maintain flour quality. According to industry sources, open-market wheat has been selling for Rs9,600 to Rs9,700 per 100kg, including transport and labour costs.
Chakki owners in Hyderabad also expressed reservations, alleging illegal charges during wheat issuance. A chakki owner claimed unofficial payments significantly increased costs, which could lead to higher flour prices for consumers.
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Currently, chakki flour is selling at Rs120 to Rs130 per kilogram. Industry representatives warned that despite the revised issue price, additional expenses would ultimately push up flour prices for end users.