Flour Prices Increase Despite Reduction in Wheat Issue Price

The Sindh cabinet has approved a reduction in the wheat issue price to Rs. 8,000 per 100 kilogram bag from Rs. 9,500, but flour prices continue to remain high in the market.

The government approved the revised price under changes to the Wheat Release Policy for fiscal year 2026. Officials said the decision seeks to provide relief to flour mills, chakkies, and traders, though any impact on retail flour prices is expected to take time.

The cabinet also formed a sub committee to monitor price trends and recommend further changes to the wheat issue price, if needed, for cabinet approval. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the early release of wheat would help maintain grain quality, create storage space, and support affordable flour prices for consumers.

Roti makers said the price of a 50 kilogram bag of fine flour has risen to Rs. 6,000 from Rs. 5,700 in September. They said flour No. 2.5 now sells for Rs. 5,700, while maida costs Rs. 5,900, compared to Rs. 5,300 and Rs. 5,600 earlier. They added that chapati prices have increased to Rs. 14–15 from Rs. 12–13, while naan prices have risen to Rs. 25 and Rs. 30 from Rs. 20 and Rs. 25.

According to the Sensitive Price Index for the week ending December 11, the price of a 20 kilogram flour bag increased to Rs. 2,300–2,500 from Rs. 2,200–2,400 a week earlier. The price of a 10 kilogram wheat bag rose to Rs. 970 from Rs. 930, while fine flour increased to Rs. 132 per kilogram from Rs. 124.