Flour prices in Quetta have surged dramatically, adding to the hardships of citizens already burdened by rising inflation. Market sources reported that in a single day, the price of a 20-kg flour bag increased by Rs 200, rising from Rs 2,350 to Rs 2,550.
Shopkeepers and flour mill owners said that over the past four months, the price of a 20-kg flour bag has gone up by Rs 700. They attributed the increase to Punjab’s restrictions on inter-provincial transport of wheat and flour, which has affected the supply in Balochistan.
Traders warned that if the Punjab government does not lift the ban immediately, flour prices may rise further. They urged the Balochistan government to negotiate with Punjab to ensure adequate wheat supply for the province.
Meanwhile, citizens expressed deep concern over the continuous price hike. They said flour is a basic food necessity, yet district administrations and price control committees remain absent, and the Balochistan government has so far taken no notice of the sharp increase.
Residents demanded urgent government action to stabilize flour prices, warning that failure to do so could further worsen the situation for low-income households.
