Karachi Announces New Official Flour Prices Amid Market Rate Concerns

The Karachi administration has issued a revised price list for flour across the city, setting new official retail and wholesale rates. However, industry representatives have expressed concerns over the pricing, citing rising wheat costs and increasing production expenses.

New Official Flour Prices

According to the latest notification issued by the Karachi Commissioner, the official retail prices have been fixed as follows:

• Regular flour: Rs125 per kilogram
• Fine flour: Rs135 per kilogram
• Chakki flour: Rs145 per kilogram

The notification also sets the official wholesale prices at:

• Regular flour: Rs122 per kilogram
• Fine flour: Rs132 per kilogram

Market Prices Remain Higher

Despite the revised official rates, flour is currently being sold at higher prices in many markets across Karachi.

According to traders, regular flour is available between Rs145 and Rs150 per kilogram, while fine flour is being sold for approximately Rs160 to Rs170 per kilogram. Chakki flour is also available at around Rs160 per kilogram.

The difference between official and market prices has raised concerns among consumers and industry stakeholders.

Flour Industry Raises Concerns

Representatives of flour mills and chakki operators have said that the notified prices do not reflect the current cost of wheat and overall production expenses.

Industry officials believe that selling flour at the official rates would be difficult under prevailing market conditions.

Wheat Prices Cited as Key Factor

According to the Flour Mills Association, wheat prices in the open market have increased significantly and continue to fluctuate, making it challenging for mills to maintain lower retail prices.

Industry representatives also noted that official pricing is easier to implement when wheat is supplied to mills at subsidized rates by the government.

Supply Situation Under Watch

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the flour market to ensure stable supplies and address pricing concerns. Industry stakeholders have called for continued dialogue with the government to develop a pricing mechanism that reflects market conditions while protecting consumers.

The revised price notification comes as officials work to maintain the availability of flour across Karachi and reduce uncertainty in the market.