Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a historic reduction in roti prices across the province, following a significant decline in flour rates. The move aims to extend immediate relief to low-income households grappling with food inflation.
The chief minister has instructed the Price Control Department to enforce the new roti prices, stating that the benefits of lower flour prices must be directly transferred to the public. She emphasized that the price of roti will be revised in proportion to the drop in flour prices, making it affordable for the common man.
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“I want to ensure that the poor benefit directly from the reduction in flour prices. The new rate of roti must reflect this change,” Maryam Nawaz said during a recent cabinet meeting.
Currently priced at Rs14, roti is expected to become significantly cheaper under the new pricing structure.
Monitoring of Essential Commodities
In addition to flour and roti prices, Maryam Nawaz has directed strict oversight of other essential food items, including chicken, vegetables, and pulses. She highlighted concerns about the rising cost of chicken, noting that it was once a weekly staple for many poor families but is now becoming a luxury.
“If chicken continues to rise in price, it will soon be out of the reach of poor families. I will not tolerate this,” she asserted.
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Record-Breaking Relief Package for Wheat Farmers
The announcement follows Punjab’s Rs110 billion relief package for wheat farmers — the largest in the province’s history. As part of the ‘Wheat Farmer Support Program’, Maryam Nawaz approved Rs25 billion in direct support.
Eligible farmers will receive Rs5,000 per acre, up to a maximum of Rs25,000 for five acres, aimed at incentivizing wheat cultivation and stabilizing the local food supply.
Additional directives include:
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Mandatory wheat purchases: Flour mills must now procure at least 25% wheat from farmers.
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Warehouse policy reform: The ‘Electronic Warehouse Housing Reset’ policy has been approved.
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Wheat procurement oversight: The provincial agriculture minister will supervise the procurement drive, supported by the Price Control Department.
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Financing support: The Bank of Punjab has been tasked with setting up a Rs100 billion credit line for wheat procurement.
These comprehensive steps signal a broader effort by the Punjab government to combat food inflation, support farmers, and enhance food security across the province.
