LAHORE: The provincial capital is facing a crisis as the procurement of wheat has been disrupted, leading to a sharp increase in the price of flour.
The Punjab Food Department’s actions, including the seizure of wheat trucks and restrictions on wheat storage, have sparked allegations from flour mill owners, exacerbating the situation.
According to Asim Raza, Chairman of the Punjab Flour Mill Association, the open market price of wheat has surged by Rs. 75 per 40 kg, reaching a staggering Rs. 4700 per 40 kg. This sudden increase has resulted in a 20-kilogram bag of flour being sold for Rs. 2800 in the market, causing significant financial strain on consumers.
The Punjab Food Department has accused flour mill owners of profiteering and hoarding wheat, contributing to the scarcity and escalating prices. It alleges that some mill owners have purchased wheat at Rs. 3900 per 40 kg for storage purposes, artificially inflating rates to sell the wheat stocks at higher prices.
The Department claims that the actions of these greedy flour mill owners are exploiting the poor and hindering efforts to establish a transparent system. Furthermore, some flour mills have actively opposed the government’s actions against hoarders, reflecting a resistance to curbing their practices.
The previous wheat quota system, which has long been criticized for fostering corruption, forced the government to release wheat stocks by increasing the price of flour. The Punjab Food Department emphasizes that this system resulted in losses for the national treasury as subsidized wheat was sold at higher prices.
In response to the prevailing situation, the Punjab Food Department is striving to eliminate the corrupt practices that have plagued the wheat procurement and distribution system. Efforts are underway to establish a transparent system that will eradicate the prevalent system of loot and plunder.
As the crisis unfolds, the people of Lahore are left grappling with skyrocketing flour prices and limited access to affordable food staples. The Punjab Food Department is expected to take further measures to rectify the situation and alleviate the burden on consumers, ensuring a fair and accessible supply of wheat and flour in the market.
