Flour prices surge despite wheat harvest in Punjab

LAHORE: (Web Desk) – Despite the ongoing wheat harvest in Punjab, flour prices have witnessed a sharp increase, with private companies charging significantly higher rates under branded packaging.

Reports indicate that branded flour is being sold at around Rs180 per kilogram, far above its actual production cost. While the official wheat price stands at Rs3,500 per 40kg, some companies are selling flour at nearly Rs7,200 per 40kg.

At the local level, grinding costs range between Rs400 and Rs500 per 40kg, meaning flour should be available at approximately Rs4,000 per 40kg after processing. This translates to a per kilogram cost of roughly Rs98 to Rs108, yet consumers are being charged much higher prices.

The price hike has also impacted daily food items, with roti becoming scarce at many tandoors. Where available, it is being sold for Rs20 instead of the officially fixed Rs14, reflecting an increase of Rs6 per roti.

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Tandoor owners have reportedly raised prices independently, disregarding government price lists. New rates are being implemented across various areas, further burdening consumers.

According to tandoor operators, rising input costs, particularly the increase in Liquefied Petroleum Gas prices and flour rates, have made it difficult to maintain earlier prices. They argue that higher fuel expenses have made the price increase unavoidable.