PESHAWAR: The flour crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has deepened as price of a 20-kilogram bag reached Rs3,200 in some parts of the province, placing an additional burden on low- and middle-income households.
The sharp increase has made it increasingly difficult for families to afford one of the most basic food items. Residents say they are already struggling to meet daily expenses amid persistent inflation, and the rising cost of flour is putting further pressure on household budgets.
According to sources, the supply of wheat and flour from Punjab to KP has reportedly been affected by disruptions in transportation, raising concerns about the availability of wheat and flour in the province.
Questions have also been raised about the distribution of wheat, the government’s supply mechanism and the availability of flour in different areas. Reports of alleged irregularities in the transportation and distribution of wheat have added to concerns over the worsening situation.
The rising flour prices are also affecting tandoor owners and other businesses, which are facing increased operating costs. A continued rise in flour prices could eventually push up the cost of other food items as well.
Residents have called on the government to take immediate steps to ensure a stable supply of wheat and flour across the province and investigate the factors behind the sharp increase in prices. They also urged the authorities to review the wheat distribution and government supply systems to identify and address any gaps or irregularities contributing to the crisis.
The current flour shortage appears to be linked to a combination of factors, including reported disruptions in wheat supplies from Punjab, concerns over the distribution and availability of government-supplied wheat, and alleged weaknesses in the transportation and distribution system. Rising transportation and operating costs may have added to the pressure on prices.
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