Flour Prices Surge by Rs400 in Quetta, Adding to Inflation Burden as Residents Urge Government Action

QUETTA: Flour prices have risen sharply once again in Quetta, further increasing the financial burden on households already struggling with soaring inflation and the rising cost of essential commodities.

According to market sources, prices of various flour brands have increased significantly in recent days, making it even more difficult for low- and middle-income families to meet their daily needs.

The latest market figures show that the price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has climbed to as much as Rs3,200, an increase of Rs400 compared with just a few days ago. The retail price per kilogram has also increased by around Rs20, placing additional pressure on consumers who purchase flour on a daily basis.

Market sources further said that a 50-kilogram flour bag is now selling for approximately Rs7,000, while a 100-kilogram sack has reached Rs14,000. Shopkeepers noted that prices vary slightly depending on the brand and quality, but confirmed that flour prices have increased across the market.

Residents expressed serious concern over the continued rise in prices, saying that electricity, gas, fuel, sugar, cooking oil, pulses, vegetables, and other essential items have already become increasingly unaffordable.

Women, laborers, and daily wage earners said household expenses are becoming more difficult to manage with each passing day. They warned that if flour—the country’s staple food—continues to become more expensive, securing even two daily meals will become a major challenge for poor and middle-income families.

Some flour mill owners and dealers attributed the latest increase to higher wheat procurement costs, rising transportation expenses, and increased production costs. However, no official explanation has yet been issued by the provincial authorities regarding the price hike.

Citizens have urged the Balochistan government, the district administration, and the provincial food department to take immediate notice of the sharp increase in flour prices. They have called for strict action against hoarding and profiteering, while demanding that flour be made available at officially prescribed prices to provide relief to consumers amid the ongoing inflationary pressures.