Flour prices in the twin cities and adjoining areas have witnessed a steep rise, with authorities banning the sale of 15kg bags.
According to market reports, flour mills have fixed the price of a 20kg bag at Rs2,400, while the government has directed retailers to sell the same at Rs1,810. Similarly, the mills have priced a 10kg bag at Rs1,200, compared to the official rate of Rs905.
The cost of fine flour has also soared, with an 80kg sack reaching Rs10,500, up from Rs7,000. Meanwhile, the price of a sack of red flour has climbed sharply from Rs6,000 to Rs9,500.
The widening gap between official and market rates has deepened concerns among consumers already struggling under inflationary pressures.
Punjab Bans Wheat Use in Feed Mills
In a related move, the Punjab government on Friday imposed a 30-day ban on the use of wheat in feed mills to secure uninterrupted supplies for human consumption.
A notification issued by the Punjab Home Department confirmed that Section 144 has been enforced across the province, restricting wheat usage strictly to flour production.
According to officials, feed mills currently hold over 104,000 metric tons of wheat, much of which was reportedly intended for poultry feed. The ban will remain in effect until October 3.
