Islamabad: The sudden increase in flour prices in various cities of the country has once again highlighted the severity of inflation, which is further affecting the daily lives of ordinary citizens. According to market reports, a significant increase in flour prices has been recorded in many major cities, including Multan, Peshawar and Quetta.
In Multan, the price of a 15 kg bag of flour has increased by Rs 100 during the past week, after which its price has increased from Rs 1450 to Rs 1550. According to shopkeepers, open flour is being sold at Rs 120 per kg, while milled flour is being sold at Rs 110 per kg. The non-availability of government flour has further increased the price pressure.
The situation is no different in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Here, a 20 kg bag of fine flour has reached Rs 3100, while mixed flour is being sold at Rs 2950. According to flour dealers, the price of a 20 kg bag has increased by Rs 300 to Rs 400 in a single week.
Flour prices in Quetta have also been worrying citizens. In the past month, the price of a 50 kg bag of flour has increased by Rs 1,000, after which its price has reached Rs 6,500, while a 20 kg bag of flour is available for Rs 2,600.
On the other hand, relatively low prices are being seen in Punjab, where a 10-kg bag of flour is being sold for Rs 905 and a 20-kg bag of flour is being sold for Rs 1,810; however, citizens say that prices are gradually increasing here too.
Citizens say that it has become common for the price of flour to increase every ten days, due to which it is becoming difficult for middle- and low-income families to survive.
According to experts, the government must immediately monitor wheat reserves and flour mills and ensure the supply of government flour so that prices can be kept under control.
