Karachi Flour Hits Record Highs
Flour Prices Spike Sharply in Karachi Amid Market Shortages
Karachi: Flour prices in Karachi have surged sharply, leaving consumers and traders concerned over rising food costs. According to Abdul Rauf, Chairman of the Wholesale Grocers Association, the price of flour has jumped by Rs20 per kilogram in recent days. In the city’s wholesale markets, fine flour is now being sold at Rs 95 per kg, while No 2.5 flour has reached Rs 89 per kg.
This rise is significantly above the official rates set by the Karachi Commissioner, which pegged fine flour at Rs 78 per kg and No 2.5 flour at Rs 66 per kg. Retail prices in the city have climbed even higher, with fine flour now reaching Rs110 per kg and No 2.5 flour at Rs95 per kg.
Chakki flour has also seen a steep increase of Rs30 per kg, now selling at Rs120 per kg. The Flour Chakki Association explained the price hike, citing high wheat costs and additional expenses of Rs30 per kg for grinding and processing, making it difficult to maintain lower prices.
Market analysts warn that the situation could worsen if wheat hoarding continues and authorities do not intervene promptly.
Earlier this month, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi had issued a notification to fix official flour and bread prices for the city, aiming to ease pressure on households during Ramadan. According to the notification, the wholesale price of No 2.5 flour was set at Rs 83 per kg and retail at Rs 87 per kg. Fine flour prices were fixed at Rs88 per kg wholesale and Rs92 per kg retail, while chakki flour was set at Rs100 per kg.
However, actual market prices have already exceeded these official rates. Fine flour is now selling between Rs90 to Rs100 per kg, and chakki flour ranges from Rs110 to Rs115 per kg. The notification also fixed the price of a 100-gram roti at Rs 10 and a 120-gram naan at Rs 15, but in practice, chapatis are being sold for Rs 18 to Rs 20, while naan goes for Rs 25 to Rs 28.
Authorities have set official prices to regulate the market, but with soaring costs and potential hoarding, Karachi residents may continue to face higher flour prices in the coming weeks.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.
