Flour prices across Pakistan have risen beyond the reach of many consumers, with chakki flour selling for Rs200 per kilogram and fine flour prices also recording a significant increase. The price of a single roti has climbed to Rs30-35.
According to the official rate list issued by the Karachi commissioner, the price of chakki flour has been fixed at Rs145 per kilogram. However, it is being sold in the market for Rs200 per kilogram, which is Rs55 higher than the official rate.
Similarly, fine flour, whose wholesale price has been fixed at Rs132 per kilogram, is being sold for Rs176. Ration flour is available at Rs161 per kilogram in the wholesale market and Rs168 per kilogram at retail outlets.
Meanwhile, roti prices have also increased to Rs30-35. The failure of flour mills to supply flour at officially notified rates has made it difficult for authorities to control market prices.
In Balochistan, flour prices have surged amid a shortage of wheat. A 50 kilogram bag of flour, which was available for Rs6,000 three months ago, now costs as much as Rs8,000. Flour availability has also begun to suffer in some parts of the province.
In Multan, wheat prices have reached Rs5,400 per maund, pushing flour prices up to Rs150 per kilogram. The increase has also driven up the cost of bakery staples, with roti rising from Rs15 to Rs25 and naan from Rs25 to Rs30. According to residents, the price of a 15 kilogram bag of flour has increased from Rs1,700 to Rs2,200.
Flour and wheat prices have also risen in Faisalabad. Chakki owners have increased the price of flour from Rs150 to Rs160 per kilogram. They said wheat is being sold for Rs5,500 per maund and added that flour prices could fall if the government supplied wheat at officially fixed rates.
Residents of Hafizabad are also struggling with rising prices. According to them, the subsidised flour bag previously priced at Rs1,100 is no longer available, while the price of a 10 kilogram bag has increased from Rs1,400 to Rs1,600.