Wheat and flour markets are under pressure as prices continue to climb. The latest figures show that wheat has gone up by Rs300 per 40kg, bringing the rate to Rs3,100. The surge has raised concerns among millers and consumers alike.
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association said the Punjab government’s deregulation of the wheat sector is contributing to unstable prices. PFMA Chairman Asim Raza criticized the authorities, saying their failure to manage supply and demand has left consumers vulnerable to further increases.
Flour prices have also escalated across the country. A 20kg bag now costs up to Rs1,800, with Sialkot posting the highest weekly rise of Rs217.
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Major cities such as Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, and Bannu saw increases of Rs200, while Bahawalpur recorded Rs193. Other notable jumps include Rawalpindi (Rs187), Islamabad (Rs173), Sargodha (Rs173), Sukkur (Rs160), Quetta (Rs130), and Karachi (Rs100).
According to analysts, unstable market conditions and weak regulatory checks are pushing prices up. With production costs rising and hoarding suspected, there are fears that the trend will continue unless immediate measures are taken.