Flour supplies in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have come under pressure after the Punjab Food Department suspended wheat quota permits for flour mills operating in the federal capital and the Rawalpindi Division, sparking fears of a flour shortage and higher prices of roti and naan.
The inner sources revealed that the suspension has disrupted production at several flour mills, affecting the supply of flour in the twin cities. As a result, the price of roti has reportedly increased from Rs17 to Rs25, while naan prices have also risen, adding to consumers’ concerns.
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association and the Punjab Flour Mills Association have stated that permits for approximately 8,000 tonnes of wheat quota were cancelled, severely affecting flour production and supply.
The associations have urged the government to immediately restore the wheat quota and lift restrictions on wheat transportation so that flour mills can resume normal operations.
Representatives of the flour mills have warned that if the government does not reverse its decision, flour mills across Punjab may suspend production in solidarity, potentially worsening the flour shortage across the province.
They have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene immediately, restore the wheat quota in the public interest, and ensure an uninterrupted supply of flour.
According to media reports, the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has urged the federal government to immediately approve wheat imports, warning that the country could face a flour shortage by December if timely arrangements are not made.
PFMA Chairman Asim Raza said wheat prices across Punjab have risen to between Rs4,300 and Rs4,500 per maund, leading to higher flour and bread prices and increasing the financial burden on consumers.
He called on the federal government to make an immediate decision to import wheat to bridge the anticipated gap between supply and demand. He warned that delaying the decision could result in another flour shortage by December, accompanied by a significant increase in prices.
Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, the price of a 15kg flour bag has increased from Rs1,950 to Rs2,150. Roti is currently being sold for Rs17, naan for Rs30, kulcha for Rs35, and paratha for Rs60.
In Faisalabad, the price of a 15kg flour bag has risen by Rs300 to Rs2,100. The price of roti has increased from Rs15 to Rs20, while naan is now being sold for Rs25.
Tandoor owners said they could not continue selling bread at lower prices when flour costs had increased. They urged the administration to take action against flour mills over the rising flour prices.
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