Flour Crisis Deepens in Punjab as Subsidised Flour Becomes Scarce and Prices Surge

Punjab is facing a worsening flour crisis, with the shortage of subsidised flour and rising market prices placing an increasing financial burden on consumers. Despite the government’s decision to discontinue 20-kilogram flour bags, an adequate supply of 10-kilogram bags has reportedly not been ensured.

The government has fixed the official price of a 10-kilogram flour bag at Rs1,100. However, shortages in the market are reportedly forcing consumers to purchase 15-kilogram bags as an alternative. A 15-kilogram bag is reportedly being sold in the open market for more than Rs2,300, while the price of an 80-kilogram sack of fine flour has risen to Rs12,600.

Meanwhile, flour mill operators and traditional flour mill owners are facing a sharp increase in wheat prices. Owners of traditional stone mills have reportedly fixed the price of flour at Rs190 per kilogram, while the price of wheat in the open market has climbed to Rs5,300 per maund.

The rising cost of flour, coupled with the unavailability of subsidised supplies, is making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens, particularly low-income households, to afford this essential food item.

Consumers have expressed concern over the situation, as the gap between officially fixed prices and prevailing market rates is placing additional pressure on household budgets.

Effective measures are needed to ensure the availability of flour at government-notified rates, improve supply and distribution, and prevent unjustified price increases. Authorities also face the challenge of ensuring that affordable flour reaches the consumers who need it most.