Karachi: After more than a year of price stability driven by the decrease in interest rates and encourage economic indicators, consumers now face an increase in prices for wheat and related products. The wheat harvest, although harvested in March, occurred below expectations, contributing to growing concerns.
Merchants warn that wheat consumption in cattle sectors and poultry has been added to supply pressure, since a significant amount of wheat has been diverted by animal feed. In addition, recent heavy rains, particularly in Karachi and Upcountry, have exacerbated the imbalance demanded by the supply for vegetables, which leads to higher prices in the markets.
According to the latest data on the Confidential Price Index (SPI) for the week ending on August 21, the price of a 10 kg wheat bag in Karachi has increased to RS660, compared to RS640 in early August. Similarly, the cost of a kilogram of fine flour has increased to RS95 from RS93. The 20 kg wheat flour bag now costs between RS1,500 and RS1,800, compared to RS1,350 to RS1,700 earlier this month.
Rauf Ibrahim, president of the Karachi WhoSalers Grocers Association (KWGA), stressed that the wholesale price of wheat has increased to RS72 per kg, compared to RS62 in July. When Sindh’s wheat harvest entered the market in March, it had a price of RS55-56 per kg. This strong increase in wheat prices has also led to increases in flour prices, with wholesale flour fees No. 2.5 and fine flour ink of RS74 and RS79 per kg to RS81 and RS85, respectively.
Wheat consumption in cattle sectors and poultry adds to supply pressure
The trend is not limited to Karachi. Throughout the country, the national average prices of wheat flour have increased. A 20 kg wheat flour bag now costs between RS1,480 and RS1,800, while the price of a 10 kg wheat bag and a kilogram of fine flour have increased to RS709 and RS97.53, respectively.
Ibrahim also pointed out that retailers transfer an additional RS10 per KG to consumers as the wholesale price of the wheat increases. Despite the crops of Sindh and Punjab earlier this year, a wheat crisis is beginning to emerge, with fears of a possible shortage that is coming.
It is estimated that between three and four million tons of wheat have already been consumed by the won sector, of the 23 million tons harvested this year. This consumption is expected, which has increased ahead of Eidul Azha, continue. This is a sharp deviation from the original estimate of a harvest of 27 million tons, further striving wheat supply.
He criticized federal and provincial governments for their delayed response to the increase in wheat prices, warning that, unless measures are taken, flour prices could rise to RS100 per kilogram, which affects the broader population. He requested a prohibition of wheat use in the cattle sector to avoid more shortage and urged the government to store wheat in private and state warehouses to avoid a crisis.
Expensive vegetables
In addition to wheat, the Karachi vegetable market has also seen significant meanings in price increases after recent rains. For example, tomato prices have increased to RS200 per kg, compared to RS100-150 only days before, while onions have increased to RS80 per kg of RS50-60. Green onions have seen a dramatic increase, now with a price of RS500-600 per kilogram, compared to RS300. Other vegetables are being sold, such as the pumpkin of the bottle and the apple pumpkin, by RS150 per kilogram, compared to RS80-100.
Haji Shajan, president of the Falahi Anjuman wholesale vegetable market on the new Sabzi Mandi Super Highway highway, attributed the increase in vegetable prices to supply interruptions caused by rains. He also noted that some exporters are buying good quality onions for export, contributing even more to local price increases. He put part of the guilt to retailers who are overloading consumers due to the reduction of the offer of Sindh producing areas.
In the pulse market, there is a significant gap between wholesale and retail prices. The wholesale price for good quality pulses, Moong, Masoor and Gram varies from RS240 to RS340 per kilogram, while retailers are charging RS280-420 for the same products. With these continuous price increases and additional Alumetas alumetas, consumers are feeling the impact and many are concerned about the government’s ability to manage the situation management situation.
Posted in Dawn, August 24, 2025
