LAHORE, October 8, 2026: Wheat flour and fine flour prices have increased sharply across Punjab, adding to financial pressure on households and businesses amid rising wheat costs and reported delays in government wheat supplies to flour mills.
According to fresh market figures provided for this report, the price of a 15-kilogram flour bag has reportedly increased from Rs1,950 to between Rs2,400 and Rs2,450 within just two days, representing an increase of Rs450 to Rs500.
Fine flour, commonly used for preparing naan and other bakery products, has reportedly become significantly more expensive. Market estimates suggest the price of a bulk bag has increased from Rs10,200 to more than Rs13,000, an increase approaching Rs3,000.
Meanwhile, fresh market claims indicate that wheat prices have reached as high as Rs5,300 per maund (40 kilograms) in parts of Punjab, raising concerns about further increases in flour and bread prices.
These higher market quotations have not yet been independently confirmed. Reports published on October 8 by The News and Profit by Pakistan Today recorded a 15kg flour bag at Rs2,300, an 80kg fine flour bag at Rs12,500, and wheat at Rs5,200 per maund.
Government Wheat Quota Delays
The growing price pressure comes amid concerns from flour mill operators over delays in the release of government wheat allocations.
Industry-related reports suggest that some flour mills have faced disruptions for approximately 20 days. Independently published reports confirm delays exceeding two weeks, despite mills reportedly depositing advance payments for government wheat allocations.
The delay has reportedly forced flour mills to purchase increasingly expensive wheat from the open market to maintain production.
Industry representatives have also raised concerns about requirements to supply additional subsidised flour from privately purchased wheat stocks.
Questions Over Punjab’s Wheat Management
The escalating prices have renewed scrutiny of Punjab’s wheat procurement, storage and distribution policies.
Concerns have also emerged over the impact of wheat management decisions on farmers, consumers and the flour milling industry.
The situation raises questions about whether the province’s current wheat distribution arrangements can ensure adequate market supplies while protecting both agricultural producers and consumers.
The Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department’s official Lahore rate list for October 8 continues to display Rs2,200 for a 20kg flour bag. However, the official rate concerns a different package size from the privately marketed 15kg bags cited in recent price reports.
With wheat and flour prices rising, timely government action on wheat allocation, supply-chain transparency and market monitoring is becoming increasingly important.
Further clarification from the provincial authorities regarding the delayed wheat quota and measures to stabilise prices remains necessary.
