Punjab Approves Rs. 10 Billion Subsidy to Keep Flour Prices Affordable
The Punjab government has approved a subsidy of Rs. 10 billion to help keep flour prices affordable amid rising wheat and flour costs across the province.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed concern over the recent increase in flour prices and called an emergency meeting through video link. According to ARY News, she directed officials to ensure the availability of affordable flour and wheat for the public.
During the meeting, the provincial government decided to increase the official wheat quota allocated to flour mills. It also approved raising the wheat supply rate to Rs. 3,800 per maund as part of its measures to support flour supplies.
Maryam Nawaz said rising wheat and flour prices were placing additional pressure on households already dealing with inflation. She directed the relevant departments to use available resources to facilitate the distribution of subsidized flour and maintain the supply of affordable flour and roti across Punjab.
The decision comes as flour prices have increased in several parts of Pakistan. A recent report indicated that the price of a 20-kilogram flour bag had risen by as much as Rs. 400 within a week in some markets.
Karachi, Peshawar and Islamabad recorded prices of around Rs. 3,400 for a 20kg bag. In Rawalpindi, the price increased by Rs. 347 to Rs. 3,333, while Sialkot reported a rise of Rs. 333, taking the price to Rs. 3,133.
In Multan, a 20kg flour bag became Rs. 66 more expensive, reaching Rs. 2,866. Prices remained unchanged in Lahore at Rs. 2,300 and in Faisalabad at Rs. 2,200.
Other cities also recorded increases. In Sukkur, the price rose by Rs. 300 to Rs. 3,060, while Hyderabad saw a Rs. 200 increase to Rs. 3,200. In Quetta, the price went up by Rs. 70, reaching Rs. 3,030 per 20kg bag.
The Punjab government’s subsidy and wheat supply measures are intended to support the availability of flour at controlled prices. The impact on retail prices will depend on implementation, supply conditions and market rates in the coming days.
