The rising flour prices across several districts of the country have made access to basic food items increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens, particularly low-income households, creating widespread concern among consumers and industry representatives.
The price of wheat flour has increased by up to Rs30 per kilogram in major cities including Lahore, Gujranwala and Faisalabad. In Karachi, consumers are facing an even steeper rise, with flour prices reportedly increasing by up to Rs40 per kilogram.
Similarly, shopkeepers in Quetta have raised flour prices by Rs20 per kilogram, adding to the financial pressure on households already struggling with high living costs. In this regard, the surge in prices has significantly affected daily life, as wheat flour remains a staple food item for the majority of the population.
Many families report that meeting basic dietary needs has become increasingly challenging amid shrinking household budgets.
In such a scenario, Central Chairman of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association, Badruddin Kakar, stated that government-subsidised flour is no longer available at official rates in most cities, except for Lahore and a few other areas.
He noted that the situation has worsened due to inconsistencies in supply and distribution mechanisms. Furthermore, Kakar further revealed that instead of the standard 20-kilogram flour bag, consumers are now being sold 15-kilogram bags.
The price of a 15-kilogram bag has been fixed at Rs2,000, effectively increasing the per-kilogram cost for consumers. He also alleged that the food department itself is facilitating the sale of 15-kilogram bags at higher prices instead of ensuring the availability of 20-kilogram bags at controlled rates.
Meanwhile, the citizens in various cities have expressed frustration over what they describe as the government’s failure to enforce official prices.
