Flour Prices Hit New Highs in Karachi Despite Government National Stock Claims

KARACHI: Wheat and flour prices have witnessed a sharp surge in Karachi’s wholesale markets, raising fresh concerns over food inflation and supply shortages. This spike comes despite government assurances of sufficient national wheat stocks.

According to market reports, the wholesale price of wheat in Karachi has soared to Rs90 per kg, up from Rs62 in July and Rs72 in mid-August. Consequently, flour prices have followed suit. The rate of No. 2.5 flour has jumped to Rs97 per kg, and fine flour is now priced at Rs103 per kg — a steep rise from Rs74 and Rs79 per kg, respectively, at the start of August.

Chakki flour is also being sold at significantly higher rates, ranging between Rs110 and Rs135 per kg, reflecting an average increase of Rs20 per kg.

The Sensitive Price Index (SPI) indicates that the cost of a 10 kg wheat bag has risen from Rs640 to Rs794, while a 20 kg flour bag is now available at prices between Rs1,700 and Rs2,100.

The sustained increase in wheat and flour rates is expected to impact prices of essential food items such as roti and naan, adding further pressure on household budgets.

Despite these market trends, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain last week claimed that the country holds 33.47 million tons of wheat, just 0.11 million tons short of the national requirement of 33.58 million tons, eliminating the need for imports.

However, market experts have cast doubt on these claims. Rauf Ibrahim, Chairman of the Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association, stated that the government’s figures include 0.4 to 0.5 million tons of leftover stock from last year. He added that actual wheat production stood between 29 to 30 million tons, out of which 3 to 4 million tons have already been consumed as livestock feed.

As the discrepancy between official statements and market realities grows, consumers brace for further strain amid a deepening food inflation crisis.

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