Karachi (HRNW) – Flour prices have increased sharply in Karachi, with the prices of both Fine Flour and No. 2.5 Flour rising by as much as Rs. 13 per kilogram, adding to the financial burden on consumers.
According to Junaid Aziz, Chairman of the Flour Mills Association, the increase follows two consecutive hikes in wheat prices over the past 15 days. He stated that the market price of wheat has risen from Rs. 106 per kilogram to Rs. 118 per kilogram, resulting in higher production costs for flour mills.
As a result, the retail price of No. 2.5 flour has increased from Rs. 119 per kilogram to Rs. 132 per kilogram, while Fine Flour is now selling at more than Rs. 140 per kilogram in the city.
Junaid Aziz estimated that Pakistan may need to import between 3 and 4 million metric tons of wheat to address the anticipated shortfall in domestic supplies. He advised the government to make an early decision on wheat imports, arguing that timely action would help stabilize prices and benefit consumers.
He also cautioned that delays in importing wheat could encourage hoarding and speculative trading, leading to further price increases. At the same time, he stressed that imports should be limited to the country’s actual requirements to avoid harming local wheat farmers.
According to industry estimates, Karachi consumes between 2.0 and 2.2 million flour bags per month during the summer, while monthly consumption increases to approximately 2.6 million bags during the winter season.
Important Note
This report is based on statements by the Chairman of the Flour Mills Association and prevailing market data. Wheat prices and flour rates may vary depending on market conditions and future government policy decisions regarding wheat imports.
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