Wheat Prices Continue To Rise Across Punjab

Wheat prices continue to rise across Punjab, deepening concerns over food affordability and supply stability. Over the past two weeks, wheat rates have increased sharply in almost all major cities of the province, driven by a growing shortage in the open market. Traders, flour mill owners, and consumers alike are feeling the pressure as prices climb steadily, raising fears of further increases in flour prices in the coming days.

According to market sources, wheat prices that were hovering around Rs. 3,700 per maund earlier this month have now surged to between Rs. 4,400 and Rs. 4,800 per maund in different parts of Punjab. The nearly 30 percent increase in such a short time has triggered alarm, especially as wheat flour is a staple food for the majority of households in Pakistan.

Wheat Prices Surge in Southern Punjab

Southern Punjab has been among the worst-affected regions. In Multan, wheat prices have climbed to around Rs. 4,450 per maund, with traders reporting reduced arrivals at local grain markets. They say that wheat supply has tightened significantly, while demand remains strong.

Similarly, prices in Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan have reached approximately Rs. 4,400 per maund. Market insiders in these cities believe that hoarding and delayed market arrivals are major factors contributing to the ongoing shortage.

Farmers in the region say many small growers sold their produce earlier at lower rates and are now unable to benefit from the price surge. Meanwhile, large stockholders are holding back supplies in anticipation of further increases, worsening the situation for consumers.

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Central Punjab Markets Under Pressure

Central Punjab is also witnessing a strong upward trend in wheat prices. In Gujranwala and Gujrat, wheat is being sold at rates as high as Rs. 4,500 per maund. Traders say that demand from flour mills has increased sharply, while the availability of wheat in mandis has declined.

In Lahore, the provincial capital, wheat prices have climbed to around Rs. 4,450 per maund. Alongside rising prices, flour shortages are becoming more visible in several parts of the city.

Retailers report that 10 kg and 20 kg flour bags are becoming increasingly scarce, forcing many shops to limit sales or temporarily close due to lack of stock. The price of a 15 kg flour bag has increased from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 1,750, placing additional strain on household budgets.

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Rawalpindi and Islamabad See Highest Rates

The sharpest increase in wheat prices has been reported in Rawalpindi, where rates have touched Rs. 4,800 per maund, the highest level recorded so far. Traders say supply disruptions and strong demand from flour mills are pushing prices upward at an alarming pace.

In the federal capital, Islamabad, wheat prices have also surged to around Rs. 4,400 per maund. Consumers in Islamabad report rising flour prices and limited availability, mirroring the situation in Punjab.

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Flour Mills Warn of Further Price Hikes

The Flour Mills Association has warned that the situation could worsen if immediate steps are not taken to address the wheat shortage.

Central Chairman Asim Raza said that shrinking wheat supplies are forcing flour mills to purchase grain at higher rates, which is directly impacting flour prices. He warned that if wheat availability does not improve, flour prices may rise further across Punjab and Islamabad.

According to him, many flour mills are operating below capacity due to difficulties in securing wheat, while transportation and storage costs are also increasing. He urged authorities to take strict action against hoarding and speculative trading, which he said are artificially inflating prices.

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Reasons Behind the Rising Wheat Prices

Experts and market analysts point to several key reasons behind the ongoing surge in wheat prices.

One major factor is limited supply in the open market. Traders say a large quantity of wheat is being held by stockists, reducing availability and driving up prices. Weak monitoring at grain markets has allowed hoarding to go unchecked in some areas.

Another issue is delays in procurement and distribution. Inconsistent policies and uncertainty over government intervention have created confusion among farmers and traders, encouraging speculative buying.

Rising transportation costs have also added pressure. Higher fuel prices have increased the cost of moving wheat from rural areas to urban centers, with these expenses ultimately passed on to consumers.

Additionally, strong demand from flour mills ahead of the next procurement cycle has intensified competition for limited supplies, further pushing prices upward.

Impact on Consumers and Households

The continuous rise in wheat and flour prices is having a direct impact on consumers, particularly low- and middle-income households. Wheat flour is consumed daily across Punjab, and even small price increases significantly affect monthly budgets.

Many families report cutting back on other essential expenses to afford flour. In some areas, consumers complain that prices vary widely between shops, creating confusion and frustration.

Housewives visiting local markets say the situation is becoming increasingly difficult, especially as prices of other food items and utilities are already high. The fear of further increases has also led to panic buying in some neighborhoods, worsening shortages.

Effect on Farmers

While higher wheat prices may appear beneficial for farmers, the reality is mixed. Many small farmers sold their wheat earlier in the season at lower rates due to immediate financial needs and are now unable to take advantage of the price surge.

Those holding wheat stocks face higher storage and transportation costs, which reduce profit margins. Farmer groups argue that inconsistent pricing policies and delayed government procurement often leave growers uncertain and vulnerable.

They stress the need for a transparent and predictable system that ensures fair returns for farmers while keeping prices affordable for consumers.

Calls for Government Intervention

Economists and industry representatives emphasize that timely government intervention is crucial to stabilize the wheat market. Suggested measures include releasing government-held wheat reserves into the open market, strengthening monitoring mechanisms, and taking strict action against hoarders.

Clear communication regarding wheat availability and future policy decisions is also essential to reduce uncertainty and speculation. Experts warn that without decisive action, wheat and flour prices may continue to rise, increasing food inflation.

Outlook for the Coming Weeks

Market observers believe the coming weeks will be critical. If wheat supplies improve and enforcement agencies crack down on illegal stockpiling, prices could stabilize. However, if the current shortage persists, further increases in wheat and flour prices cannot be ruled out.

For now, the wheat market remains under pressure, with consumers bearing the brunt of rising prices. Authorities face growing pressure to act swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown food crisis.