Pakistan could be heading toward a serious flour crisis after the Punjab Food Department suspended wheat supply permits, raising concerns among flour mill owners and industry representatives.
The decision has already pushed up flour and bread prices in several cities. Meanwhile, industry leaders warn that delayed action could result in a nationwide wheat shortage by December.
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has urged authorities to restore wheat supply permits immediately. It has also called for urgent policy measures to stabilize the market and prevent further price increases.
Flour Mills Warn of Possible Closures
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association has expressed strong concerns over the suspension of wheat supply permits.
According to the association, the move could encourage black marketing while increasing opportunities for corruption within the supply chain.
Industry representatives warned that 45 flour mills in Islamabad are facing possible closure because of the disruption in wheat supplies.
In addition, flour mills in Rawalpindi have threatened to suspend operations if wheat deliveries to Islamabad are not restored quickly.
Previously, authorities issued permits for approximately 8,000 tonnes of wheat daily for Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The association has appealed to the Punjab Chief Minister to intervene immediately and restore the online wheat supply portal to improve transparency.
Wheat Prices Continue to Rise
PFMA Chairman Asim Raza said wheat prices in Punjab have increased significantly.
According to him, wheat is currently selling between Rs. 4,300 and Rs. 4,500 per maund (40 kilograms).
The rising cost of wheat has increased production expenses for flour mills. Consequently, consumers are paying more for flour and bakery products.
The chairman also urged the federal government to approve wheat imports without delay.
He said, “We urge the federal government to immediately approve wheat imports to bridge the impending demand-supply gap.”
He further warned, “Delaying this decision could plunge the country into a severe shortage by December, leading to further exponential price hikes.”
Flour and Bread Prices Increase Across Major Cities
The suspension of wheat permits has affected flour prices in several parts of the country.
Rawalpindi
In Rawalpindi, the price of a 15-kilogram flour bag has increased from Rs. 1,950 to Rs. 2,150.
Tandoor prices have also risen.
- Simple roti: Rs. 17
- Naan: Rs. 30
- Kulcha: Rs. 35
- Paratha: Rs. 60
Faisalabad
Consumers in Faisalabad are also paying higher prices.
A 15-kilogram flour bag now costs approximately Rs. 2,100, reflecting an increase of Rs. 300.
At local tandoors:
- Roti increased from Rs. 15 to Rs. 20
- Naan now sells for Rs. 25
Tandoor owners questioned how they could maintain lower prices while flour costs continue to rise. They urged authorities to address rising flour prices at the source.
Multan
Flour prices have also increased in Multan.
Open market rates currently range between Rs. 120 and Rs. 130 per kilogram.
A 10-kilogram flour bag now costs around Rs. 1,100 after increasing by Rs. 200.
Similarly, a 15-kilogram bag is selling for approximately Rs. 1,900.
A 100-gram roti is currently priced at Rs. 20.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner said price control magistrates are conducting raids against hoarders.
Officials also stated that subsidized government prices remain:
- Rs. 905 for a 10-kilogram flour bag
- Rs. 1,810 for a 20-kilogram flour bag
Authorities added that strict action is being taken against traders violating official prices.
Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, reduced government wheat quotas have pushed prices higher.
A 100-kilogram wheat bag has increased by approximately Rs. 4,000 during the past three months.
The current market price has reached Rs. 10,800.
Local authorities are expected to decide revised official prices for roti and naan.
Until then, sellers have been instructed to continue charging the existing official rates:
- Naan: Rs. 24
- Chapati: Rs. 10
Sukkur
Flour prices have also climbed in Sukkur.
Mill rates have reached Rs. 125 per kilogram, while retail prices have increased to Rs. 130 per kilogram.
As a result, local tandoor owners have increased the prices of naan and roti by up to Rs. 5.
Industry Calls for Immediate Government Action
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association believes immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further disruption.
Industry representatives have urged authorities to restore wheat supply permits and reopen the online allocation system without delay.
They also stressed the importance of approving wheat imports to reduce pressure on domestic supplies and stabilize prices.
According to the association, timely decisions could help avoid shortages during the coming months.
Concerns Grow Over Winter Supply
Industry stakeholders warn that the coming winter could place additional pressure on wheat supplies if current challenges remain unresolved.
They believe the government’s opportunity to prevent a wider flour crisis is narrowing.
Without restoring supply permits, improving wheat distribution, and addressing future supply requirements, industry representatives fear flour shortages and higher consumer prices could continue to spread across Pakistan in the months ahead.
