Flour Prices Rise Sharply Despite Ongoing Wheat Harvest in Punjab

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – In Islamabad, flour prices have surged sharply despite the beginning of the wheat harvesting season in Punjab, raising concerns among consumers. Reports indicate that private companies are selling flour at significantly higher rates under branded labels, widening the gap between official and market prices.

According to available data, the government has set the official wheat price at Rs 3,500 per maund for the current season. However, in the open market, wheat is being traded at around Rs 88 per kilogram, reflecting a noticeable increase.

Flour produced by private companies is reportedly being sold for as much as Rs 180 per kilogram, with the per maund price reaching approximately Rs 7,200. In contrast, at the local level, the cost of grinding wheat ranges between Rs 400 to Rs 500 per maund, bringing the total cost of flour to nearly Rs 4,000 per maund.

Flour prices surge despite wheat harvest in Punjab

Despite this, flour prepared through local grinding is available at comparatively lower rates of Rs 98 to Rs 108 per kilogram. The sharp difference in pricing has highlighted concerns over profiteering, as privately branded flour continues to be sold at almost double the locally produced rates.