Islamabad ( The COW News Digital) Wheat flour prices in Pakistan have surged dramatically over the past three weeks, with the cost of a 20-kilogram bag rising by up to Rs1,050 amid heavy rains and flooding in Punjab that disrupted wheat supply chains.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics’ (PBS) report dated September 5, the maximum price of a 20-kg flour bag has now reached Rs2,500 in several markets across the country. The data highlights widespread inflation in essential food items, placing additional strain on already struggling households.
The sharpest price increase was recorded in Bannu, where a 20-kg bag rose by Rs1,050. In Peshawar and Larkana, prices jumped by Rs900, while Sukkur saw an increase of Rs840. Other cities also reported steep hikes: Lahore by Rs830, Multan by Rs826, Gujranwala and Sialkot by Rs817, Islamabad by Rs800, and both Rawalpindi and Quetta by Rs740. In Bahawalpur, flour prices surged by Rs866.67 over the same period.
Analysts attribute the rising prices to supply chain disruptions caused by torrential monsoon rains and floods in Punjab — Pakistan’s primary wheat-producing province. With transportation routes blocked and stockpiles damaged, the cost of milling and distribution has escalated sharply.
The crisis is particularly concerning as wheat flour is a staple for millions of households in Pakistan. A continuous rise in prices has led to affordability challenges for lower- and middle-income families, many of whom are already coping with inflation in fuel, electricity, and other essential commodities.
Market experts warn that unless immediate steps are taken to stabilize supply, prices could climb even higher in the coming weeks. Government authorities have acknowledged the issue, with officials suggesting that strategic reserves may be released to cool down the market. However, concerns remain about the adequacy of these reserves given the scale of flooding and crop losses.
The current trend highlights broader vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s food security framework. As climate change intensifies the frequency of extreme weather events, disruptions in agricultural output are expected to become more common, putting pressure on both consumers and policymakers.
For now, citizens across Pakistan are bearing the brunt of soaring flour prices, with no clear timeline for when relief may arrive.
