Wheat and Flour Prices Hit Record Highs After Sugar Crisis

Wheat and flour prices in Pakistan have surged sharply, raising alarm among consumers and traders. Wheat has jumped by Rs. 300 per 40kg in just one week, reaching Rs. 3,100, while prices have risen nearly Rs. 1,000 per maund over the past month. Similarly, flour has become Rs. 500 costlier per 20kg bag within the same period.

Experts say the Punjab government’s decision to withdraw from regulating the wheat market has opened the door for hoarders and speculators, intensifying pressure on staple food prices.

Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) Chairman Asim Raza acknowledged that the government is finding it difficult to stabilize the market, warning that “rising wheat costs will inevitably push flour prices higher in the coming weeks.”

Progressive Flour Millers Group (PFMG) Chairman Khaliq Arshad highlighted dwindling reserves as a major concern. “Punjab’s estimated reserves of 2.5 million tonnes, in both public and private stocks, are simply not enough to sustain demand until April 2026,” he said. He cautioned that unless corrective measures are introduced, wheat imports may become the only solution.

Arshad also pointed to speculative activity, noting that prices touched Rs. 3,250 before settling back to Rs. 3,100 after traders released stored stocks.

Meanwhile, PFMG President Majid Abdullah confirmed that the Punjab government’s earlier price cap of Rs. 2,900 per 40kg for wheat and Rs. 1,750 per 20kg bag for flour is no longer being enforced. He stressed that “strong market forces are now driving demand, supply, and prices,” leaving many puzzled by the government’s sudden withdrawal from regulation.