Wheat Shortage Pushes Prices Sharply Higher Across Punjab and Islamabad

Wheat prices have increased sharply over the past ten days across Punjab and Islamabad, rising by 30 percent from Rs. 3,700 to as high as Rs. 4,800 per maund.

In southern Punjab, wheat rates have reached Rs. 4,450 per maund in Multan, while prices in Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan have climbed to around Rs. 4,400 per maund. Wheat prices in Islamabad have also increased to Rs. 4,400 per maund.

In Lahore, wheat prices have climbed to Rs. 4,450 per maund, while shortages of flour bags have emerged in several parts of the city. Traders said 10 kg and 20 kg flour bags are becoming scarce, and the price of a 15 kg flour bag has increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 1,750.

In Gujranwala and Gujrat, wheat is being sold at up to Rs. 4,500 per maund. Prices in Rawalpindi have spiked to as high as Rs. 4,800 per maund.

Central Chairman of the Flour Mills Association Asim Raza said the sharp rise is being driven by a growing shortage of wheat. He warned that supplies are rapidly diminishing and said the higher wheat prices are directly pushing flour prices upward.