The significant wheat imports by the private sector have led to a considerable decrease in the prices of various flour varieties across the market. However, despite this relief, many retailers are reportedly not passing on these benefits to consumers.
According to reports, millers have recently reduced the price of flour no. 2.5 to Rs106 per kg, down from Rs124 per kg in February. Additionally, the cost of a 10kg wheat flour bag has been slashed to Rs1,070 from its previous price of Rs1,250. Prices for Maida (super fine flour) and fine flour have also seen reductions, now selling at Rs124 and Rs126 per kg respectively, compared to Rs138 and Rs141 per kg previously.
Despite these price cuts, consumers are still facing higher prices at retail stores, where wheat flour no. 2.5, fine flour, maida, and chakki atta are being sold for Rs145-170 per kg.
Aamir Abdullah, Chairman of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA), Sindh Zone, stated that the private sector has imported approximately 3.2 million tonnes of wheat from Russia and Ukraine since September 2023.
The disparity between reduced wholesale prices and retail prices has raised concerns among consumers, who are urging retailers to pass on the benefits of lower flour prices resulting from increased imports.
As the private sector’s wheat imports continue to influence the market, consumers remain hopeful for further reductions in flour prices at retail outlets in the near future.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
