Supply curbs spur hike in flour prices

The prices of flour have surged sharply in Peshawar following a partial restriction on supply from Punjab, leaving both consumers and local bakers struggling.

An 80-kilogram bag of fine flour now costs up to Rs12,500, while a 20-kilogram bag has reached Rs2,700. Category-A fine flour is being sold at Rs12,500, Category-B fine flour at Rs11,500, and mixed flour has risen to Rs11,000 per 80kg bag.

Local bakeries and nanbais are facing mounting difficulties due to the rising prices. In response, the Pakhtunkhwa Nanbai Association recently met with Peshawar's Rationing Controller, Tauseef Iqbal, to highlight the challenges faced by bakers in securing affordable flour.

The delegation included District President Khaysta Gul Mehmood, Chairman Muhammad Rahim Safi, and Joint Secretary Jahanzeb Mehmood.

During the meeting, the association briefed the controller on the severe impact of flour shortages on the bakery sector. Tauseef Iqbal assured the delegation of full cooperation and confirmed that the Punjab government has been contacted regarding the supply restrictions. He expressed confidence that positive results are expected soon and added that concerns regarding permits for flour supply would also be addressed.

Meanwhile, the ongoing price surge has forced some bakery owners to reduce the weight of bread being sold. In several areas of Peshawar, the standard loaf has shrunk significantly, causing further consumer dissatisfaction. Local authorities, however, have remained largely silent on the issue, drawing criticism from residents and business owners alike.

With no immediate solution in sight, both consumers and bakers are bracing for continued hardship, hoping that coordination between provincial authorities will soon stabilize the flour supply and bring relief to the city.