Islamabad, Nov 22: The price of flour has sharply increased in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several other districts of Punjab, with an 80kg bag now costing Rs1300 more, as reported by ARY News.
This spike has raised concerns, prompting the Naan Bai Association to hold an urgent meeting to discuss potential changes in bread (roti) prices.
Previously, the federal government removed 5.5% advance income tax following successful discussions with flour mill owners.
This decision came after a three-day strike starting on July 11, which resulted in severe flour shortages, particularly in Karachi. The strike was a response to the tax introduced in the 2024-25 budget.
Flour mill owners have expressed ongoing difficulties in maintaining operations due to rising electricity bills.
Despite the removal of the tax, escalating production costs have continued to drive up flour prices, leaving both consumers and businesses in Punjab struggling to cope with inflation.
The shortage of flour caused by the strike earlier this year underscored the vulnerability of the supply chain. While the government formed a committee to resolve the matter, the negotiations only provided temporary relief.
Flour mill owners warn that rising utility bills and other systemic issues must be addressed to prevent frequent price increases.
Meanwhile, bread sellers are also facing the challenge of balancing rising flour costs with maintaining affordable bread prices for consumers.
The Naan Bai Association is expected to decide on price adjustments soon, potentially leading to higher prices for basic food items.
The surge in flour prices highlights the broader inflationary pressures affecting essential commodities in Pakistan.
It underscores the need for sustainable solutions to stabilize production costs and ensure affordability for consumers.
Without long-term measures, both businesses and households will continue to struggle under the burden of rising expenses.
