Flour prices in Pakistan have increased across the market after a rise in wheat prices. According to reports, flour mills have increased flour prices by up to Rs20 per kilogram. The price of wheat in the open market has also reached Rs14,500 per 100 kilograms.
What are flour prices in the wholesale market?
In the wholesale market, regular flour is now selling at Rs155 per kilogram. Maida is priced at Rs167 while fine flour has reached Rs180 per kilogram.
In the retail market, regular flour is being sold for up to Rs170 per kilogram. Fine flour has reached Rs200 while chakki flour is selling for up to Rs210 per kilogram.
| Flour type | Wholesale price | Retail price |
|---|---|---|
| Regular flour | Rs155/kg | Rs170/kg |
| Fine flour | Rs180/kg | Rs200/kg |
| Chakki flour | Not given | Rs210/kg |
| Maida | Rs167/kg | —- |
Why have flour prices increased?
According to reports, flour mills had stopped supplies for several days before raising prices. This has also led to a shortage of flour stocks at shops.
Imported wheat is expected to arrive by November. However, wheat prices in the open market remain under pressure.
When will subsidised wheat be released?
The Sindh government has decided to provide subsidised wheat to flour mills from October 15.
The government will release the wheat at Rs12,500 per 100 kilograms. There are currently 346,414 metric tonnes of wheat in government stocks in Sindh.
After wheat from PASSCO and imported wheat arrives, the total stock is expected to increase to 836,414 metric tonnes.
The subsidised wheat supply is expected to help control flour prices in the province.
Punjab flour mills association announces strike
Previously, flour mills in Punjab had announced a strike after the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) raised concerns over policies of the provincial authorities.
The association said the strike was planned in protest against what it called “anti-industry” policies.
PFMA objected to the suspension of wheat and flour quota permits. It also raised concerns over the sealing of mills and fines of up to Rs5 million for what it described as minor violations.
