People struggle amid flour crisis in Pakistan:20-kg bag reaches Rs 3,300, roti rises from Rs 20 to Rs 30

People in Peshawar, Pakistan, are struggling as flour prices rise rapidly. A 20-kilogram bag of coarse flour has reached 3,300 Pakistani rupees. The rise in flour prices has also affected tandoors. According to ANI, a 50-gram roti that was sold for 20 rupees is now being sold for 30 rupees. In several areas, the sale of a single roti has been discontinued, and two rotis are being sold for 40 rupees. Government-subsidised flour has almost disappeared from the market. As a result, the price of commercial flour has risen in shops. A 20-kilogram bag of fine flour is being sold for 3,120 rupees, while the price of 80 kilograms of coarse flour has reached 13,200 rupees. A 20-kilogram bag of bran is also available for 1,480 rupees. Traders accused of hoarding flour Some traders are being accused of hoarding flour behind the rise in prices. It is alleged that traders held back flour stocks in warehouses, reducing its availability in the market and causing prices to rise rapidly. Following the sudden rise in flour prices, law-and-order agencies are keeping a close watch on major traders and flour warehouses. Amid the crisis, reports have also emerged that flour traders have made profits running into crores within just a few days. Shopkeepers in Several Areas Stop Selling Single Rotis In areas of Peshawar such as Khyber Bazaar, Ashraf Road, Karachi Market, Namak Mandi and Government College Chowk, several shopkeepers are no longer selling single rotis. Customers are having to buy two rotis for ₹40. Residents say that as flour prices have risen, the weight of the rotis is also being reduced. People are angry over the rising prices of flour and rotis. They have demanded that the administration ensure the supply of flour and rotis at fixed prices and maintain the weight of rotis according to the prescribed standard. Government Claims Subsidised Flour Is Still Being Distributed The Food Department says subsidised flour is still being distributed across the province. According to the department, 4,17,168 bags of flour were supplied at government rates through 1,611 active dealers last week. Peshawar Division received 1,01,955 bags, Malakand 1,20,737 and Mardan 59,389. Hazara was supplied 38,129 bags, Bannu 12,588, Dera Ismail Khan 41,688 and Kohat 42,682. ​