A sharp rise in flour prices across the country has intensified the hardships of citizens already struggling with high inflation.  According to official documents released by the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has recorded significant increases in various cities over the past week. The data shows that flour prices have risen by up to Rs 590 in some cities within just one week.

Islamabad witnessed the highest overall price, with a 20-kilogram bag of flour now costing Rs 2,893.  In Sargodha, the price surged by Rs 590, while Multan saw an increase of Rs 226.66. Prices rose by Rs 200 in Khuzdar, Rs 163.33 in Bahawalpur and Rs 140 in Quetta during the same period.Other major cities have also been affected.

The price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour increased by Rs 134 in Gujranwala and by Rs 120 in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Karachi, Peshawar, Sukkur and Larkana recorded increases of Rs 100, while prices went up by Rs 80 in Hyderabad and Sialkot. Bannu saw a rise of Rs 50, whereas Lahore experienced a relatively smaller increase of Rs 40.

Following these hikes, the current price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has reached Rs 2,866 in Rawalpindi, Rs 2,850 in Peshawar, Rs 2,800 in Bannu, Rs 2,660 in Quetta and Rs 2,600 in Karachi.The latest surge in flour prices has further burdened households already grappling with rising living costs, deepening public concern over inflation and the increasing cost of essential food items.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)