Wheat and flour prices have continued to rise across Pakistan in recent days despite the federal government’s decision to import one million tons of wheat, highlighting persistent supply concerns and market speculation.
According to the latest Sensitive Price Index (SPI) for the week ending July 30, the national average price of a 10kg wheat bag increased to Rs1,223 from Rs1,179 a week earlier, while fine flour rose to Rs152.14 per kilogram from Rs148.
The price of a 20kg flour bag climbed to a range of Rs2,200-3,133, compared with Rs2,200-2,960 in the previous week.
The increase has been sharper since March, when a 20kg flour bag was priced between Rs1,810 and Rs2,740, while 10kg wheat averaged Rs1,039 and fine flour sold at Rs137 per kilogram.
In Karachi, flour millers have also raised prices. A 50kg flour bag now costs Rs6,675, up from Rs6,325 in mid-July, while maida and fine flour bags increased by Rs500 each to Rs7,325 and Rs7,475, respectively.
Despite a 4.3% rise in domestic wheat production, analysts attribute the sustained price increases to hoarding, speculation and weak market oversight, limiting any immediate relief for consumers.
