Wheat prices in Karachi’s wholesale market have risen sharply over four months, pushing flour prices higher despite Pakistan’s substantial domestic production.
ISLAMABAD: Flour prices have continued to rise across Pakistan despite a strong wheat harvest, with the price of a 50-kilogram flour bag reaching as high as Rs8,000 in some areas, according to market representatives and industry stakeholders.
In Karachi’s wholesale market, wheat prices have increased from Rs90 to Rs132 per kilogram over the past four months. The rise has also pushed up different varieties of flour, with 2.5-number flour selling for up to Rs155 per kilogram, fine flour at Rs157 and chakki flour at Rs180 per kilogram.
Wholesale Grocery Association Chairman Rauf Ibrahim attributed the increase to the deregulation of wheat prices, the removal of the support price and alleged hoarding. He said these factors were contributing to continued pressure on wheat and flour prices.
Ibrahim also raised concerns over the planned import of 750,000 tons of wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), saying the quantity would be insufficient to meet the country’s requirements. He added that imported wheat was not expected to arrive before November.
Khalid Hussain, chairman of a farmers’ alliance, said the country’s wheat policy was affecting both farmers and consumers. He questioned the need for an import policy, arguing that Pakistan is itself a major wheat-producing country.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Daniyal, country head of LDC Pakistan, said wheat prices in the international market were comparatively lower. According to him, wheat of similar quality was being traded internationally at around $290 per ton, while Pakistani wheat was being sold at approximately $270 per ton.
Experts have also identified inadequate storage facilities as a major challenge for Pakistan’s wheat sector. Poor-quality warehouses and open storage centers increase the risk of moisture damage and pest infestation, potentially reducing the value of Pakistani wheat in export markets.
Pakistan’s annual wheat production is estimated at around 30 million tons, while annual consumption is close to 31 million tons. The gap between domestic production and consumption, along with rising market prices and concerns over storage and supply management, has added pressure to the prices of wheat and flour.
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