Lahore: Wheat prices have surged sharply across Punjab, with rates increasing by up to Rs700 per maund over the past ten days, adding fresh pressure on household budgets amid rising food inflation.
According to market sources, the price of wheat has climbed from Rs3,700 per maund to around Rs4,400, while in Rawalpindi, rates have surged further to Rs4,800 per maund.
In Lahore, wheat is now being sold at Rs4,450 per maund, while residents in several parts of the city report an acute shortage of government-subsidised flour. Official 10kg and 20kg flour bags are largely unavailable, forcing consumers to turn to open markets.
The price of a 15kg flour bag has risen from Rs1,500 to Rs1,750, deepening concerns over affordability for low- and middle-income families.
Wheat Rates Surge Across Cities
Prices have risen sharply in other parts of Punjab as well:
- Gujranwala and Gujrat: Rs4,500 per maund
- Multan: Rs4,450 per maund
- Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan: Rs4,400 per maund
In Islamabad, wheat prices have also climbed significantly, reaching around Rs4,400 per maund, according to traders.
Flour Mills Blame Wheat Shortage
Central Chairman of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association, Asim Raza, said that a shortage of wheat in the market has pushed prices upward, directly impacting flour rates.
“The lack of wheat supply has made the commodity expensive, and as a result, flour prices are rising,” he said, warning that prices may increase further if the supply situation does not improve.
Growing Concern for Consumers
Rising wheat and flour prices are expected to further fuel food inflation, as wheat-based products form a major part of daily consumption across Pakistan. Consumers and traders alike are urging authorities to take immediate steps to stabilize prices and ensure smooth supply to the market.