Retailers reject new flour rates

The government has fixed new official prices for flour bags of 10kg and 20kg, directing immediate enforcement. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassan Waqar Cheema issued a notification, setting the price of a 10kg bag at Rs905 and a 20kg bag at Rs1,810.

The DC warned that shopkeepers charging higher rates would face strict action, including FIRs, arrests, shop closures, and heavy fines. He also directed that flour bags must clearly display the manufacturer's name, weight, ingredient list, license number, and expiry date.

However, despite the notification, the flour and wheat crisis in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has worsened. In the open market, the price of wheat has surged from Rs2,200-2,400 per maund to Rs3,900, while the 20kg flour bag now sells for Rs2,400 — an increase of Rs900. A 79kg sack of red flour has risen from Rs5,600 to Rs9,100, while fine flour (maida) and refined flour sacks have jumped from Rs6,200 to Rs10,000.

The Kiryana Merchants Association has rejected the new official rates, arguing that flour mills are supplying 20kg bags at Rs2,400, making it impossible to sell at Rs1,810. Association President Saleem Pervaiz Butt announced that retailers would suspend flour sales unless flour is supplied at government prices.

Meanwhile, the Naanbai Association has also protested, demanding that the price of a roti made from red flour be increased from Rs14 to Rs20.