Flour prices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have increased once again as interprovincial transportation of wheat and flour from Punjab faces major disruptions. The rising prices are creating additional financial pressure on consumers, especially low-income families.
The flour milling industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa heavily depends on wheat supplies from Punjab. The province produces nearly 1.2 million metric tons of wheat annually, while its total demand stands at around 5.2 million metric tons.
Due to this large gap, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa relies on Punjab to meet a shortfall of nearly 4 million metric tons of wheat every year. However, recent restrictions on transportation have significantly affected the supply chain.
According to the Flour Mills Association, mills are now forced to purchase wheat at much higher prices because of reduced supply from Punjab. As a result, flour prices in local markets continue to rise rapidly.
During the past week alone, the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag increased from Rs2,200 to Rs2,400. Citizens say the continuous rise in essential commodity prices is making household expenses increasingly difficult to manage.
In response to the situation, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved the purchase of 225,000 metric tons of wheat and released funds for the initiative. Authorities hope the move will help stabilize flour prices and prevent shortages.
