Testing time starts for KP Governor as flour prices further increase

PESHAWAR: Another testing time starts for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi as Flour prices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have reached an all-time high on October 12, 2026, triggering a crisis and massive public anger across the province.

According to a market survey on October 12, the price of a 20-kilogram bag of coarse flour, locally called Dana-Dar atta, has soared to Rs. 3,300 in Peshawar city. This is being described as the highest price in the history of Peshawar. 

A 20 kg bag of fine flour is being sold at Rs. 3,420, while an 80 kg bag of coarse flour has reached Rs. 13,200. The price of 20 kg chokar has also increased to Rs. 1,480. In retail shops, chakki atta is being sold at Rs. 200 to Rs. 210 per kg, while fine flour from mills is available at Rs. 156 to Rs. 160 per kg. 

These rates are far higher than the government-fixed rates. The situation in other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is equally alarming. In Shangla, Buner and Swat, a 20 kg bag is being sold between Rs. 2,850 and Rs. 3,000, a 40 kg bag at Rs. 5,700 and a 50 kg bag at Rs. 7,000.

 In Mardan Division, the open market price is around Rs. 3,200 per 20 kg. On the other hand, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Department claims it is releasing 3,000 metric tons of government wheat daily from its strategic reserve and supplying flour at the official rate of Rs. 2,520 per 20 kg bag through 1,611 active dealers.

 The department says 417,168 bags were distributed last week, including 101,955 bags in Peshawar Division, 120,737 in Malakand Division and 59,389 in Mardan Division. However, citizens say government-subsidized flour has largely disappeared from the open market, allowing commercial dealers to charge their own rates. Traders allege that some big dealers have earned crores of rupees in profit within a few days by creating an artificial shortage. The flour crisis has directly hit the tandoors. Bakers have increased the price of a 50-gram single roti from Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 on October 12.

 In major markets of Peshawar, including Khyber Bazaar, Ashraf Road, Karachi Market, Namak Mandi and Government College Chowk, bakers have stopped selling single roti and are only offering double roti at Rs. 40 each. 

Citizens have appealed to the Governor that the weight of roti is continuously decreasing. The Peshawar district administration has so far remained silent, while law enforcement agencies are still inactive in monitoring large flour dealers and warehouses. 

People of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have appealed to the Federal government to take immediate action, enforce official rates and ensure the availability of subsidized flour to control the crisis.

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