Flour Prices Soar in Lahore, Putting Basic Food Out of Reach for Low-Income Families
Flour that was previously available at around Rs110 per kilogram is now being sold for between Rs150 and Rs180 per kilogram in the provincial capital, according to local consumers and shopkeepers.
A shopkeeper said government-priced flour is available at Rs1,100 for a 10-kilogram bag and Rs2,200 for a 20-kilogram bag. However, he claimed that the quality of the government-supplied flour is not satisfactory.
According to the shopkeeper, flour supplied by private flour mills is considered better in quality but is significantly more expensive. A 10-kilogram bag is being sold for around Rs1,400, while a 20-kilogram bag costs approximately Rs2,800.
The sharp increase has reportedly made it increasingly difficult for daily-wage workers and low-income families to afford one of the country's most essential food items.
One low-income resident said flour prices had moved beyond the reach of ordinary people, adding that daily-wage workers were struggling to purchase enough flour for their families.
Another citizen urged the government to take immediate measures to control flour prices, stressing that flour is a basic necessity in every household.
With food prices already putting pressure on household finances, citizens are calling for effective price controls, improved monitoring of the flour market and affordable access to quality flour.