Wheat Supply Ban from Punjab Triggers Severe Flour Crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

A severe flour crisis has hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following Punjab’s decision to halt wheat and flour supply to the province.

According to market reports, the price of a 20kg flour bag has surged to Rs2,700, while the per kilogram price now exceeds Rs150. As a result, bakers have reduced bread weight — the traditional Rs20 roti, which used to weigh 150 grams, now weighs only 80 grams.

Traders have warned that if the Punjab government does not lift the ban on inter-provincial wheat and flour supply, prices may rise even further in the coming days.

Data shows that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s annual demand for wheat and flour stands at 5.3 million metric tons, out of which only 1.5 million metric tons are produced locally. The remainder is sourced from Punjab and other provinces.

Currently, the province’s storage facilities hold around 273,000 metric tons of wheat — sufficient for only a few weeks of consumption.

Flour mill owners and market associations have called for immediate intervention from both provincial and federal governments, warning that prolonged restrictions could push basic food items like bread beyond the reach of the poor.