Flour prices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have increased again following disruptions and restrictions in the interprovincial supply of wheat and flour from Punjab.
According to market reports, the price of a 20kg flour bag has risen from Rs. 2,200 to Rs. 2,400 within just one week.
The Flour Mills Association said mills in KP are now forced to buy wheat at higher rates due to supply chain disruptions from Punjab, which is directly pushing up retail prices.
Industry officials noted that KP is heavily dependent on wheat supplies from Punjab. The province produces around 1.2 million metric tons annually, while its total requirement stands at nearly 5.2 million metric tons, leaving a shortfall of about 4 million metric tons that is usually met through interprovincial trade.
The recent spike comes amid wider inflationary pressure, with prices of essential food items including flour and sugar continuing to rise in recent weeks.
Officials said the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has written to both the federal and Punjab governments requesting an immediate end to restrictions on wheat movement.
Industry stakeholders warn that if supply disruptions continue, flour prices may rise further, adding more pressure on consumers already affected by inflation.
