Wheat prices across Punjab have surged sharply within just ten days, rising by as much as Rs700 per maund, which has sparked public concern over affordability, market stability, and future flour availability.
Market data shows wheat prices in Lahore jumped from around Rs3,700 per maund to nearly Rs4,450, while Rawalpindi recorded the highest spike, touching Rs4,800 per maund.
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Similarly, rates climbed to nearly Rs4,500 per maund in Gujranwala and Gujrat, while Multan reported prices around Rs4,450, and Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Islamabad hovered close to Rs4,400.
As wheat prices increased, flour rates followed, with a 15-kilogram flour bag in Lahore expected to rise from Rs1,500 to Rs1,750, while smaller bags reportedly became scarce.
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The Flour Mills Association blamed the surge on an alleged wheat shortage, with its representative Asim Raza stating that wheat stocks are rapidly disappearing, pushing prices higher across Punjab markets.
However, the Punjab Food Department rejected shortage claims, asserting that flour supplies remain sufficient and that 10kg and 20kg bags are easily available at shops throughout Lahore.