The price of flour has once again started to climb following an increase in wheat prices in Lahore and Rawalpindi divisions. Initially, there was a brief decline in flour prices with the arrival of the new wheat crop, but recent reports indicate a resurgence in price hikes.
In Lahore, the price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has risen from Rs1,600 to Rs1,700, while in Rawalpindi, it has increased from Rs1,850 to Rs1,950. Similarly, the price of a 10-kilogram bag has surged from Rs800 to Rs850. This increase comes as wheat prices soar in these regions.
Asim Raza, Chairman of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association, attributed the rise in flour prices directly to the escalating costs of wheat. In Lahore, the price of wheat has gone up from Rs2,900 to Rs2,950 per maund, while in Rawalpindi division, it now stands at Rs3,050 per maund. This upward trend in wheat prices has prompted concerns among flour mill owners about the possibility of further price increases in the near future.
Consumers in Lahore and Rawalpindi divisions are feeling the pinch of these price hikes, which impact household budgets and food affordability. With flour prices expected to potentially continue rising, there is apprehension about the economic strain on families already grappling with inflationary pressures.
Looking ahead, stakeholders in the flour industry are monitoring market dynamics closely. The Pakistan Flour Mills Association and other industry bodies are assessing the impact of ongoing wheat price fluctuations on flour production and distribution. Factors such as weather conditions, government policies, and international market trends will play crucial roles in determining future price movements.
