ISLAMABAD: Prices of flour and other essential food items have witnessed a sharp increase across several parts of the country, intensifying inflationary pressure and severely affecting low-income and daily wage households.
According to reports from different cities, the price of a 15-kg flour bag has risen from around Rs 1,250 to as high as Rs 1,600. Similarly, loose flour is now being sold at nearly Rs 130 per kg.
Mill owners attribute the increase to fluctuations in wheat supply and rising production costs, with an estimated hike of around Rs 500 per maund being passed on to consumers.
Prices of lentils have also gone up, with common varieties being sold at up to Rs 70 per quarter kilogram. Vegetable prices remain elevated as well, further straining household budgets.
Residents say the continuous rise in essential commodity prices has made it increasingly difficult to manage daily expenses. Daily wage earners, in particular, report reduced work opportunities and insufficient income, with some saying even arranging a single meal has become challenging on certain days.
Citizens have urged the government to take immediate steps to control the prices of flour and other basic food items to provide relief to the general public and prevent further economic hardship.
