The provincial govt maintains a significant subsidy of Rs 8800 per bag for local wheat and Rs 13000 for imported wheat.
GILGIT: The Director of Food Department, Gilgit-Baltistan, Ikram Muhammad, has confirmed that the price of subsidized wheat in the region will not rise beyond the recently announced Rs 3600 per bag. He termed rumors of a further increase to Rs 4200 as “completely baseless.”
Speaking to the press, Muhammad clarified that the price adjustment, effective January 1, 2024, applies only to wheat bags in rural areas. In urban areas, where government-subsidized flour is supplied by dealers, the prices are expected to decrease due to lower transportation costs from mills directly to consumers. He emphasized that comparing wheat and flour prices is inaccurate due to this difference in distribution channels.
Further addressing concerns about potential subsidy cuts, Muhammad asserted that the government remains committed to supporting the region. Despite the national increase in wheat prices, the provincial government maintains a significant subsidy of Rs 8800 per bag for local wheat and Rs 13000 for imported wheat. This, combined with existing federal subsidies, aims to mitigate the impact on citizens’ purchasing power.
To ensure transparent and efficient distribution, Muhammad announced an increase in the allocated quota for both subsidized wheat and flour. This means residents will have access to larger quantities of subsidized staples starting from January 1, 2024.
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This official clarification should help alleviate anxieties surrounding the recent price adjustment and assure the public of the government’s continued commitment to ensuring food security in Gilgit-Baltistan.
