KARACHI: The Sindh government has agreed to reduce the ex-mill price of flour by Rs6 per kilogram following a recent increase in prices, in a move aimed at providing relief to consumers.
The decision was reached during an emergency meeting chaired by Provincial Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman with representatives of the Flour Mills Association. Under the agreement, the ex-mill price of flour has been reduced from Rs161 to Rs155 per kilogram.
The meeting reviewed flour price stability, wheat availability and the supply of wheat to flour mills. Participants also discussed measures to maintain market supplies and prevent unjustified price increases.
Government Expresses Concern Over Rising Flour Prices
Provincial Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman expressed concern over the sudden increase in flour prices, saying that the Sindh chief minister and chief secretary had also raised concerns about its impact on the public.
He said the provincial government had provided Rs76.5 billion in subsidies to wheat growers through the Agriculture Department. According to the minister, Sindh had recorded a bumper wheat harvest this year, and the benefits of increased production should be passed on to consumers through affordable flour prices.
Wheat Stocks and Market Supply Reviewed
The minister said flour mills currently held approximately 1.5 million tonnes of wheat stocks, equivalent to around one month’s consumption.
He emphasized the need for effective management of wheat stocks and the supply system to ensure uninterrupted flour availability and reduce unnecessary pressure on prices.
The meeting was attended by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi and Food Secretary Ghulam Abbas Naich. The Flour Mills Association was represented by its president, Malik Iqbal, patron-in-chief Muhammad Yousuf Chaudhry and other office-bearers.
While the agreed reduction applies to the ex-mill price, retail prices may vary depending on the market and individual sellers.
