KARACHI: Flour prices have climbed further across multiple cities, with Karachi once again recording the highest rates, leaving citizens struggling to afford a basic staple amid mounting inflation.
According to Bureau of Statistics data, the price of a 20‑kilogram bag of flour in Karachi rose by another Rs 100 during the past week, reaching Rs 2,600 compared to Rs 2,500 earlier. This makes Karachi the costliest city for flour buyers, compounding the financial strain already felt from recent fuel and transport fare hikes.
The report noted sharp increases elsewhere: in Lahore, a 20‑kilogram bag became dearer by Rs 290; in Islamabad, by Rs 93; in Peshawar, by Rs 150; and in Khuzdar, by Rs 140. Smaller but notable hikes were recorded in Rawalpindi (Rs 80), Bannu (Rs 50), Quetta (Rs 30), and Multan (Rs 27).
Market observers warn that these flour price hikes, coming on the heels of transport fare increases announced by the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance and the Mini Mazda Association, will ripple through household budgets nationwide.
With Eidul Azha approaching, families already burdened by higher fuel and commuting costs now face escalating food prices, intensifying the cost‑of‑living crisis.
Citizens in Karachi, where flour is consistently the most expensive, say they are “feeling the heat” as essential commodities become unaffordable. The cumulative effect of rising fuel, transport, and flour costs underscores the inflationary spiral gripping the country, leaving households with little relief in sight.
