Floods Trigger Wheat and Flour Price Surge Across Pakistan

The wheat crisis in Pakistan has deepened as devastating floods continue to push wheat and flour prices beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. The cost of a basic flour bag has risen sharply in just weeks, while vegetable shortages add more pressure to already stretched household budgets. Authorities have now launched an aggressive crackdown on hoarding to prevent profiteering and stabilize the market.

Sharp Rise in Flour and Wheat Prices

Official figures reveal that the price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour jumped by Rs410 in a month, climbing to Rs1,810. In Sindh’s Sanghar district, flour that cost Rs80 per kilogram only weeks ago is now selling for Rs125. Families already burdened by high living costs say this increase has made even daily bread unaffordable.

Wheat markets are also in turmoil. Prices rose by Rs700 per maund over the past month, moving from Rs2,300 to Rs3,000. Officials warn that supplies could become more unstable as floods have destroyed thousands of acres of standing wheat crops. Traders fear further disruptions, fueling speculation and worsening inflation.

Emergency Crackdown in Punjab

The Punjab government has introduced emergency steps to control the situation. Under Section 144, feed mills have been banned from using wheat for the next 30 days, ensuring that the grain goes directly to flour mills for human consumption.

To combat hoarding, the Price Control Department carried out raids in Kasur and Faisalabad. During these operations, authorities recovered 18,700 sacks of illegally stored wheat. Officials stressed that strict action against hoarders is essential to ensure fair supply and prevent artificial shortages.

Floods Destroy Crops and Livelihoods

The recent floods have devastated agricultural regions across Punjab, Sindh, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Officials confirm that vast areas of wheat crops have been washed away, directly reducing yields. Farmers who depend on seasonal harvests now face financial ruin, while consumers bear the burden of soaring prices.

The widespread crop damage has also triggered speculation in wholesale markets, leading to even sharper price hikes. Experts say the shortage in supply and high demand will continue to drive inflation unless immediate relief and imports are arranged.

Read: Pakistan Braces for New Flood Peaks as Punjab Drowns

Citizens Struggle With Rising Costs

For millions of families, the sudden rise in flour prices has brought despair. Low-income households, already battling inflation, say they now find it hard to secure two meals a day. In Sanghar, residents expressed frustration, pointing out that bread — a staple food — is slipping out of reach.

Many complained that shopkeepers exploit the crisis by charging rates far above official prices. The lack of monitoring at local markets, they argue, allows profiteering to thrive at a time when citizens most need relief.

Vegetables Vanish From Markets

The floods and continuous rains have also caused severe vegetable shortages. In Islamabad, tomatoes have disappeared from cheap markets. Wholesale traders now sell them for Rs300 per kilogram, even though the government’s official rate is Rs123.

Other essentials such as potatoes and onions have also doubled in price. Traders at Sadar Sabzi Mandi said vegetables like cabbage and bitter gourd have become 150% more expensive in just a week.

In Jhelum, the destruction of farmland has been even more severe. Tomatoes that cost Rs50 per kilogram last week now sell for Rs220. Farmers say the losses are unprecedented, while shopkeepers admit that buyers are cutting back on purchases due to unaffordable rates.

The Burden on Ordinary Families

Families across urban and rural areas report that their household budgets are collapsing under the weight of food inflation. A basic meal has become a luxury for daily wage earners. Many say they now skip meals or reduce portions to make supplies last longer.

Parents also fear malnutrition as children are deprived of essential vegetables and bread. Women in markets said they had never experienced such a crisis in food prices, even during past flood seasons. The uncertainty of whether relief will come soon is leaving households anxious.

Official Warnings and Calls for Relief

Authorities acknowledge that the crisis could deepen if urgent steps are not taken. Punjab’s Relief Department has urged federal support to stabilize supplies. Economists recommend immediate imports of wheat and vegetables to fill the gaps created by the floods.

Price control mechanisms remain weak, and experts warn that unless enforcement improves, profiteering will worsen. Citizens have demanded stronger monitoring of markets, subsidized flour bags, and the release of government stocks to bring immediate relief.