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Wheat prices have surged sharply across Punjab and Islamabad over the past ten days as a growing supply shortage pushed rates up by nearly 30 percent. Prices that stood around Rs. 3,700 per maund have climbed to as high as Rs. 4,800, raising concerns over rising flour costs and food inflation.
According to market data, wheat rates in major cities have jumped significantly. Prices in Lahore and Multan have reached around Rs. 4,450 per maund, while Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan are witnessing rates near Rs. 4,400. In Gujranwala and Gujrat, wheat is selling at up to Rs. 4,500 per maund, whereas Rawalpindi has recorded the highest prices at Rs. 4,800 per maund. Islamabad markets are also reporting wheat prices around Rs. 4,400 per maund.
The surge in wheat prices has begun impacting flour availability, particularly in Lahore, where shortages of 10 kg and 20 kg flour bags have emerged in several areas. Traders report that the price of a 15 kg flour bag has risen from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 1,750 within days, adding pressure on household budgets.
Central Chairman of the Flour Mills Association, Asim Raza, warned that wheat stocks are rapidly declining. He stated that the ongoing shortage is the main driver behind the sharp price hike and cautioned that flour prices may continue to rise if supply issues are not addressed promptly.
Market sources say delayed wheat releases, weak supply management, and increased demand ahead of the new harvest season have contributed to the current situation. With food inflation already high, the wheat shortage is emerging as another challenge for consumers and policymakers alike
