Flour prices surge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid wheat supply disruptions

Rabbia Zafar | 5 days ago

Flour prices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have witnessed a significant increase once again, largely due to disruptions in the inter-provincial supply of wheat and flour from Punjab. The situation has directly impacted food prices across the province, raising concerns for consumers, especially low-income households.

According to official figures, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces around 1.2 million metric tonnes of wheat annually, while its total requirement stands at approximately 5.2 million metric tonnes. This creates a shortfall of nearly 4 million metric tonnes, which is typically covered through procurement from Punjab.

However, flour mill representatives say that supply constraints from Punjab have forced them to purchase wheat at higher prices from alternative sources. This increase in procurement costs is now being passed on to consumers, leading to a continuous upward pressure on flour prices in the market.

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Over the past week alone, the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag has risen from Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,400, further straining household budgets. The increase has particularly affected daily wage earners and lower-income groups, who are already facing inflationary pressures.

Experts warn that if inter-provincial supply issues persist, flour prices may rise further in the coming days, potentially worsening inflation in the province. They emphasize the need for stable supply chains and coordinated policy measures between provinces to avoid further market instability.

Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the purchase of 225,000 metric tonnes of wheat to address the supply gap. Authorities have also released funds for procurement, aiming to stabilize prices and ensure availability in the local market.

Officials say the government is closely monitoring the situation and will take additional steps if required to prevent further price hikes and ensure food security for the province’s population.