Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered urgent measures to control rising flour prices across the province. She has approved a Rs. 10 billion subsidy to make flour more affordable for residents.
According to ARY News, Maryam Nawaz called an emergency meeting through video link to discuss the price increase. She directed officials to ensure the availability of affordable flour and wheat across Punjab.
The chief minister stressed that the government must use all available resources to provide relief to the public. She described rising wheat and flour prices as a serious concern for households already facing inflation.
The provincial government has also decided to increase the official wheat quota allocated to flour mills. In addition, the wheat supply rate will be raised to Rs. 3,800 per maund.
These measures aim to improve wheat availability and support the supply of subsidized flour. The government also intends to maintain the availability of affordable flour and roti for consumers.
Maryam Nawaz said the financial pressure caused by rising food prices was extremely painful for people across Punjab. She directed authorities to arrange the transportation and distribution of subsidized flour.
Flour Prices Rise Across Major Pakistani Cities
The decision comes as flour prices have increased in several cities across Pakistan. A recent report showed that the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag rose by as much as Rs. 400 within one week.
Karachi, Peshawar, and Islamabad recorded prices of Rs. 3,400 for a 20kg bag. These increases have added to the financial pressure on households purchasing essential food items.
In Rawalpindi, the price increased by Rs. 347 to reach Rs. 3,333. Sialkot also recorded a rise of Rs. 333, bringing the price to Rs. 3,133.
Multan experienced a smaller increase of Rs. 66. The price of a 20kg flour bag reached Rs. 2,866 in the city.
Flour Prices Vary Across Punjab and Other Cities
Lahore and Faisalabad reported no change in flour prices. A 20kg bag continued to sell for Rs. 2,300 in Lahore and Rs. 2,200 in Faisalabad.
Meanwhile, Sukkur recorded an increase of Rs. 300, taking the price to Rs. 3,060. In Hyderabad, the price rose by Rs. 200 to reach Rs. 3,200.
Quetta also experienced an increase of Rs. 70. The price of a 20kg flour bag reached Rs. 3,030 in the city.
Punjab Government Announces Relief Measures
The Rs. 10 billion subsidy approved by Maryam Nawaz is intended to help keep flour prices affordable. The government plans to use subsidized supplies to support consumers during the ongoing price increases.
The increased wheat quota for flour mills is another part of the announced response. Raising the wheat supply rate to Rs. 3,800 per maund will also affect the official supply arrangements.
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The government has directed officials to prioritize the availability of affordable flour and roti. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on the implementation of the subsidy and the distribution of wheat supplies across the province.
