Sindh Raises Official Flour Prices as Authorities Intensify Action Against Hoarding
KARACHI: The Sindh government has increased the official retail prices of several flour varieties while stepping up inspections and enforcement efforts to address wheat hoarding and overpricing across the province.
Under the latest notification issued by the Karachi commissioner, the retail price of Flour No. 2.5 has been set at Rs125 per kilogram, while fine flour will now be sold at Rs135 per kilogram. The price of chakki flour remains unchanged at Rs145 per kilogram.
The revised rates come as wheat and flour prices have continued to rise across Sindh over recent weeks, prompting authorities to strengthen monitoring of flour mills, traders, and retailers.
Authorities Launch Enforcement Drive
District administrations carried out inspections across Karachi’s seven districts to ensure compliance with the government-approved flour prices.
During the operation, officials imposed Rs1.2 million in fines on retailers found selling flour above the officially notified rates. Authorities said the campaign will continue to discourage overcharging and improve market compliance.
Wheat Prices Continue to Rise
At the start of the current wheat season, the government had fixed official retail prices at Rs99 per kilogram for Flour No. 2.5, Rs117 for fine flour, and Rs130 for chakki flour.
However, market prices have steadily increased in recent months, with flour mill owners attributing the rise to higher wheat prices in the open market.
Government Reviews Wheat Supply
The Sindh government has held several high-level meetings to review wheat availability and flour prices throughout the province.
Officials discussed measures aimed at preventing wheat hoarding, illegal storage, and artificial shortages. Authorities also decided to introduce stricter stock limits for flour mills and licensed wheat traders.
According to government officials, wheat found to be stored beyond the approved limits may be confiscated under the relevant laws.
Procurement and Market Situation
Earlier this year, the provincial government began wheat procurement at a support price of Rs3,500 per 40 kilograms. Officials also announced plans to strengthen wheat supplies after procurement levels remained below the original target.
Data released under the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) indicates that wheat and flour prices have continued to increase since March. The average price of a 20-kilogram flour bag has risen to approximately Rs2,750–2,900, while 10 kilograms of wheat now sells for around Rs1,200. The average price of fine flour has also increased during the same period.
Industry Calls for Wheat Imports
Representatives of the grain and cereal industry have urged the government to consider allowing wheat imports to improve domestic supply and help stabilize flour prices.
They believe additional imports, if required based on market conditions, could help reduce pressure on prices and support long-term food availability.
