THE price of flour has increased by Rs14 per kilogram in Karachi over the past three days, adding to the growing burden on ordinary consumers. Flour is a daily staple for the common man and any increase in its price hits household budgets hard, particularly those of low- and middle-income families already struggling with rising costs of essential commodities.
The latest increase is particularly concerning because flour prices have remained volatile in recent months. Although millers had reduced the prices of different varieties by Rs3 per kilogram in the last week of September, the reduction did not translate into relief for consumers, as retailers largely kept their prices unchanged. The latest increase, therefore, risks further widening the gap between wholesale and retail prices. There are legitimate cost pressures. Transportation expenses have increased due to high fuel prices while millers and retailers also face higher operating costs. Yet these factors cannot justify leaving consumers exposed to repeated and unchecked price shocks. The government must closely monitor wheat and flour supplies and intervene where necessary to ensure that sufficient stocks remain available in the market. Timely action can help prevent hoarding, artificial shortages and speculative increases. The authorities should also ensure that the benefits of any decline in wheat prices are passed on to consumers. Effective coordination between the federal and provincial governments is essential to maintain stable supplies until the arrival of the new crop. At the same time, policy measures should not overlook farmers. Higher fuel prices raise the cost of operating tractors, tube wells, harvesters and other agricultural machinery, ultimately increasing the cost of food production. The government should consider providing the fuel subsidy for tractors and other machinery used in agriculture. Such support would help contain farmers’ input costs without distorting market prices. Ensuring affordable flour requires action across the entire supply chain. The government must protect consumers from unnecessary price increases while supporting farmers against rising production costs. Food security and price stability should remain a priority, rather than waiting for market pressures to become a full-blown crisis.
