Flour prices have risen sharply in several cities across the country, including Quetta and Peshawar.
According to details surfaced on Sunday, in Peshawar, flour prices have once again climbed, with the trend continuing upwards. Within a few days, the price of a 20-kilogram bag has increased by Rs200 to reach Rs2,650. In the retail market, flour is being sold at up to Rs140 per kilogram after an increase of Rs10. The dealers have attributed the rise to restrictions on the supply of flour from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
To bring down prices and ensure stability, the issue of starting wheat supplies from government warehouses to flour mills in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is due to be placed before the next meeting of the provincial cabinet.
In Quetta, flour prices have also increased once again. A 20-kilogram bag has risen by Rs200 to Rs2,500, while a 50-kilogram bag has gone up by Rs500 to Rs6,250.
Dealers said that the government stocks are close to running out, while restrictions imposed by the Punjab government at district level have led to higher prices.
The Balochistan Food Department said that the private sector had been made responsible for purchasing wheat.
