Wheat and flour prices in Punjab have surged sharply, with wheat rising by Rs300 this week to Rs3,100 per maund (40kg). Over the past month, wheat prices have increased by around Rs1,000 per 40kg, while a 20kg bag of flour has climbed approximately Rs500.
Market analysts and industry representatives attribute the spike to a combination of low stock reserves and the provincial government’s decision to end wheat market regulation.Â
According to the Progressive Flour Millers Group (PFMG), Punjab holds an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of wheat in public and private reserves, insufficient to meet demand until April 2026.
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) warned that rising wheat prices are likely to drive flour costs higher in the near term. The PFMA added that government notifications capping wheat at Rs2,900 per 40kg and flour at Rs1,750 per 20kg are no longer being enforced, allowing market dynamics to dictate prices.
Traders have started selling stored wheat openly, which contributed to a temporary price reversal from Rs3,250 to Rs3,100 per 40kg.Â
Industry officials stressed that authorities need to adopt proactive measures, including supplementing stocks or importing wheat, to stabilize prices before the next harvesting season.
