Flour prices have increased once again in several cities across Pakistan, adding to the financial burden on consumers amid persistent inflation.
According to the Flour Dealers Association, the price of a 20kg flour bag in Peshawar has risen by Rs100 to Rs150 over the past two days. A 20kg bag of mixed flour now sells for Rs2,800, up from Rs2,650, while the price of a 20kg bag of fine flour has increased from Rs2,900 to Rs3,000.
The association attributed the increase to rising wheat prices, saying flour prices continue to climb as the cost of wheat escalates.
Flour prices have also gone up in Faisalabad, where rates vary across different parts of the city. Tandoor owners have also raised the price of bread.
Shopkeepers said they had increased prices because wheat had become significantly more expensive.
In Sukkur, fine flour is being sold for Rs130 to Rs135 per kilogram, while stone-ground flour is priced between Rs140 and Rs150 per kilogram.
Consumers said the rising cost of essential food items had severely affected household budgets and urged the government to control food prices and ensure an adequate supply of wheat to provide relief to the public.
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Meanwhile, the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has urged the federal government to immediately approve wheat imports, warning that the country could face a flour shortage by December if timely arrangements are not made.
PFMA Chairman Asim Raza said wheat prices across Punjab had reached Rs4,300 to Rs4,500 per maund, pushing up the prices of flour and bread and placing additional financial pressure on consumers.
He called on the federal government to approve wheat imports without delay to bridge the expected gap between supply and demand. He warned that postponing the decision could result in another wheat shortage by December and trigger a further sharp increase in flour prices.
