Pakistan’s flour market is under severe strain as wheat shortages drive prices to unprecedented levels, hitting $7.67 for a 44-pound bag. The surge has triggered panic buying, hoarding, and mounting pressure on household budgets, with shopkeepers reporting families are cutting back on meals.
The rapid escalation began when the provincial food department failed to purchase wheat during the critical March–April harvest season, a period when supply is ample and prices are stable. Instead, the department focused on selling nearly 800,000 bags of older grain. Officials argued this prevented spoilage, but the move left the province without reserves. The decision also cost the department more than $20 million in losses after the grain was sold at discounted rates.
As new stocks dried up, the flour market tightened quickly. Over the past three weeks, traders in Quetta and other urban centers have seen a steady rise in demand that far outpaces available supply. Retailers say wholesalers are reluctant to release stocks, fueling speculation and further destabilizing the market. Traders note that demand now often exceeds available inventory.
The volatility has exposed how dependent the flour trade is on consistent wheat procurement and management. Without reserves, mills and traders face sharp swings in supply, creating fertile ground for speculation and stockpiling. The Anti-Corruption Department’s recent investigation into wheat handling and sales has added another layer of uncertainty. Reports suggest that tens of millions of dollars were lost through mismanagement and corrupt practices, further undermining confidence in the system.
Analysts caution that unless corrective measures are taken quickly, Pakistan’s flour market could remain unstable for months. With wheat central to Pakistan’s food economy, persistent shortages risk deepening consumer hardship, weakening mill operations, and fueling broader unrest tied directly to food affordability.