LAHORE (Lord Media): The Punjab government has suspended wheat supply permits, raising concerns of a potential flour crisis with the closure of 45 flour mills in Islamabad. Flour prices have also surged in various cities across the country.
The Flour Mills Association has expressed concern over the suspension of wheat supply permits and demanded their immediate restoration. The association warns that the suspension could lead to black marketing and corruption, potentially causing the closure of Rawalpindi’s flour mills as well.
The association further stated that a daily supply of 8,000 tons of wheat was being provided to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. They have appealed to the Chief Minister of Punjab for immediate intervention to prevent a potential flour crisis and to restore access to the online portal for supply.
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association has urged the federal government to promptly approve wheat imports. The association has warned that without timely arrangements, a flour shortage could occur by December.
Chairman PFMA Asim Raza stated that wheat prices in Punjab have reached between 4,300 and 4,500 rupees per maund, leading to increased prices of flour and bread.
Flour prices have risen in various cities. In Rawalpindi, a 15 kg bag of flour now costs 2,150 rupees, while in Faisalabad, it is being sold for 2,100 rupees. In Multan, the price of a 10 kg bag of flour has increased by 200 rupees.
In Hyderabad, the lack of government wheat quota has significantly raised flour prices. In Sukkur, the mill rate for flour is 125 rupees per kg, while the open market rate is 130 rupees per kg.
