ISLAMABAD / LAHORE: A severe flour crisis is looming over Pakistan as the Punjab Food Department’s sudden suspension of wheat supply permits threatens to shut down dozens of flour mills and has already triggered a sharp spike in flour and bread prices across several major cities.
Industry leaders warn that if immediate corrective measures are not taken, the country could face a critical flour shortage by December.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi Mills on the Verge of Closure
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has expressed deep concern over the suspension of wheat supply permits, demanding their immediate restoration. Association representatives warned that the suspension will foster black marketing and corruption.
According to PFMA:
– 45 flour mills in Islamabad are currently facing imminent closure due to the supply halt.
– Rawalpindi’s flour mills have threatened to shut down operations if supplies to Islamabad are not restored immediately.
– Previously, daily permits of 8,000 tons of wheat were being issued for Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The Association has strongly urged the Chief Minister of Punjab to intervene immediately to avert a major flour crisis and has demanded the restoration of the online portal for wheat supply to ensure transparency.
Calls for Immediate Wheat Imports to Avert December Shortage
PFMA Chairman Asim Raza highlighted that the price of wheat in Punjab has surged to Rs. 4,300–4,500 per maund (40 kg), heavily burdening consumers as flour and bread prices escalate.
“We urge the federal government to immediately approve wheat imports to bridge the impending demand-supply gap,” Raza stated. “Delaying this decision could plunge the country into a severe shortage by December, leading to further exponential price hikes.”
Nationwide Price Surges: Impact on Consumers and Tandoors
The suspension of permits and escalating wheat costs have sent shockwaves through local retail markets, driving up the prices of flour, roti, and naan:
1. Rawalpindi
15 kg Flour Bag: Increased from Rs. 1,950 to Rs. 2,150.
Tandoor Prices: Simple roti is being sold at Rs. 17, naan at Rs. 30, kulcha at Rs. 35, and paratha at Rs. 60.
2. Faisalabad
15 kg Flour Bag: Rose by Rs. 300, now retailing at Rs. 2,100.
Tandoor Prices: Roti price increased from Rs. 15 to Rs. 20, while naan is being sold for Rs. 25.
Tandoor owners have questioned the administration, asking how they can sell cheap bread when flour prices are skyrocketing, urging authorities to take action against flour mills instead.
3. Multan
Open Market Prices: Flour is selling between Rs. 120 and Rs. 130 per kg. A 10 kg bag rose by Rs. 200 to reach Rs. 1,100, while a 15 kg bag is retailing at Rs. 1,900.
Tandoor Prices: A 100-gram roti is now priced at Rs. 20.
Administration Response: The Deputy Commissioner stated that price control magistrates are conducting raids against hoarders. While the official subsidized rates are set at Rs. 905 for a 10 kg bag and Rs. 1,810 for a 20 kg bag, heavy fines are being imposed on those violating government rates.
4. Hyderabad
Due to a lack of government wheat quotas, a 100 kg bag of wheat in the open market surged by Rs. 4,000 over the last three months, reaching Rs. 10,800.
Administration Response: Local administration is meeting today to decide on new official rates for roti and naan. For now, sellers have been directed to adhere to the old official prices of Rs. 24 for naan and Rs. 10 for chapati.
5. Sukkur
Open Market Prices: Flour prices have hit Rs. 125 per kg (mill rate) and Rs. 130 per kg (retail).
In response, local tandoor owners have hiked the prices of naan and roti by up to Rs. 5.
It is pertinent to mention here that with the winter season ahead, stakeholders warn that the government’s window to act is rapidly closing. Without immediate policy intervention, the restoration of supply portals, and a decisive strategy on imports, the flour crisis is set to deepen across the country.
