Trade, industry denounce wheat price spike

HSATI chief says increase in staple cost will add to inflation burden

HYDERABAD:

Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade and Industry (HSATI) Chairman Zubair Ahmed Ghanghra has criticised an increase of Rs2,500 in the price of a wheat bag, saying the government has failed to control inflation and protect consumers from rising food costs.

He said the increase in wheat and flour prices had placed an additional burden on low- and middle-income households, which were already struggling to meet their basic needs amid persistent inflation. He urged the government to take immediate measures to stabilise prices and ensure that essential food items remained affordable.

Ghanghra stated the government had previously purchased wheat from farmers under provincial budget allocations, a policy that helped maintain price stability and provide relief to consumers. However, the government's decision to stop wheat procurement contributed to price increases and intensified difficulties for the public.

He also questioned the impact of International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions on government policies, arguing that the authorities should prioritise food affordability while negotiating with the lender.

The HSATI chairman criticised what he described as inconsistent scrutiny of government spending and public relief measures. He questioned why increases in the salaries and benefits of lawmakers and ministers, along with purchases of new vehicles and government aircraft, did not attract the same level of concern that measures to reduce food prices faced. He said this disparity reflected an unfair burden on ordinary citizens, who continued to absorb higher living costs without corresponding increases in their incomes. Ghanghra urged the government to raise the issue of food affordability during negotiations with the IMF and take effective measures to shield essential commodities from inflationary pressures.

He also called on the authorities to investigate the reasons behind the increase in wheat and flour prices and take strict action against hoarding and profiteering. He said stronger market monitoring and enforcement could help prevent traders from exploiting supply conditions to charge excessive prices.

The HSATI chairman warned that persistent increases in the prices of essential goods, without a corresponding rise in household incomes, continued to erode purchasing power and deepen financial pressures on ordinary families.

He said the government must move beyond assurances and introduce practical measures to keep wheat, flour and other staple food within the reach of consumers. He stressed that people needed tangible relief rather than promises as rising food costs continued to strain household budgets.