PESHAWAR: Residents of Peshawar are facing sudden price shocks as the cost of flour surged significantly in a single day, raising concerns across the city.
According to the Flour Dealers Association, the price of a 20-kg bag of mixed flour increased by PKR 300, jumping from PKR 2,300 to PKR 2,600. Meanwhile, the price of fine flour rose by PKR 200, bringing the 20-kg bag to PKR 2,700. The price increase has been blamed on a ban on the transportation of wheat from Punjab, resulting in shortages and increased prices for consumers. The association added that if the matter remains unaddressed, it may cause further increases in the prices of flour.
Citizens have been showing grave concerns regarding the steep price increase and have demanded that the government take strict steps and implement effective measures to control the prices.
It has also been stated that the shortage of supplies and decreasing reserves will have a bad impact on the prices of other basic food items in the days ahead.
Households feel the pinch as food prices surge again
Similarly, prices of essential daily-use items such as ghee, cooking oil, and flour have once again increased across Pakistan, placing additional strain on household budgets.
According to market sources, the price of high-quality ghee and cooking oil is now up by PKR 3 per kg to PKR 598 per kg. Sunflower cooking oil, on the other hand, is available at PKR 618 per kg, the highest price of recent days. The rising prices make it harder for common people to afford quality cooking oil.
The prices of flour are also soaring. In the last week, the prices of 10 to 20 kg flour bags have risen by PKR 120 to 200 per bag, and mostly impacting poorer segments. Flour is a basic necessity for families, and any rise in the price of this item adds to the pressure.
It is being stated that increasing expenses of utilities such as electricity, gas, fuel, rent, etc., have made it tough for common people to maintain their budget. Now increasing prices of essentials such as ghee, cooking oil, and flour have added more stress to their financial situation.
