Despite a resolution passed in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Punjab’s ban on supplying wheat and flour to KP remains, raising fears of a worsening flour shortage in the province.
Flour dealers and mill owners warn that the recent dip in prices is temporary and caution that rates could rise sharply again before April, when the new wheat crop becomes available. Following Punjab’s restrictions, the price of a 20-kg flour bag jumped from Rs1,300 to Rs2,500 before settling at Rs2,100, while an 80-kg sack increased from Rs6,200 to Rs10,500 and now stands at Rs9,500. Wheat is also trading at Rs9,500 per 100-kg sack.
Dealers report trucks carrying wheat to K-P are being stopped at Attock, with only a few allowed through after paying Rs20,000 per truck. Some Punjab mills have reportedly suspended wheat processing after rejecting the government-fixed rate of Rs1,800 per 20-kg bag.
Flour mill owners in KP said they have only a week’s wheat stock left. The province requires 1.2 million metric tons annually but is receiving just 0.1 million tons. Provincial Food Minister Syed Zahir said flour prices in K-P have risen 68 percent, compared to 40–58 percent nationwide, and highlighted the province’s need for 1.47 million metric tons of wheat, historically sourced from Punjab and other markets.
Officials in K-P have described Punjab’s restriction as an informal measure that violates Article 151 of the Constitution and said the provincial government is in contact with Punjab authorities to resolve the issue.
