Flour prices have surged sharply in several cities across Pakistan, including Peshawar and Quetta, putting additional pressure on consumers.
In Peshawar, the cost of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has risen by Rs200 over a few days, reaching Rs2,650, while retail prices have climbed to Rs140 per kilogram, an increase of Rs10. Dealers have linked the price hike to supply restrictions on flour coming from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are considering measures to stabilize prices by releasing wheat from government warehouses to local flour mills. The proposal is expected to be discussed in the upcoming provincial cabinet meeting, aiming to ease supply constraints and bring down the escalating prices.
In Quetta, the situation mirrors that of Peshawar, with the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag rising by Rs200 to reach Rs2,500. The cost of a 50-kilogram bag has also increased by Rs500, now selling for Rs6,250. Government stocks in Balochistan are reported to be nearing depletion, while district-level restrictions imposed by the Punjab government have exacerbated the price surge.
The Balochistan Food Department has stated that the private sector is currently responsible for purchasing wheat, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing supply and controlling prices.
Dealers have warned that without timely intervention, flour prices could continue to rise, further burdening households already facing economic pressures.
The sharp increase in flour costs comes amid broader concerns over food inflation, affecting basic commodities and straining family budgets. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and are under pressure to ensure an uninterrupted supply of wheat and flour to prevent further price hikes.
The price rise in major cities like Peshawar and Quetta underscores the need for coordinated action between provincial governments and the private sector to stabilize essential food supplies and protect consumers from further economic hardship.
