Flour delivery charges raised in twin cities after fuel price hike

ISLAMABAD: The Flour Dealers Association of Rawalpindi-Islamabad has increased transportation charges for flour deliveries across the twin cities with immediate effect after a sharp rise in petroleum prices.

Under the revised rates, delivery charges have gone up by Rs20 per 15kg flour bag and by Rs80 per sack for supplies made to grocery stores, tandoors and hotels.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the association presided over by its president, Zahoor Bhatti. Office-bearers who attended the meeting included Haji Munir Abbasi, Khalil Abbasi, Khurram Abbasi, Sheikh Faisal, Sarfraz, Nazakat Shah, Khudabakhsh, Shehzad Ahmed, Sajid Ahmed and Faisal Butt.

Association representatives said the latest increase in petrol and diesel prices was discussed in detail during the meeting. They said the public was already facing inflationary pressure and that the new rise in fuel costs would add to those difficulties.

The association leaders said that when fuel prices had earlier been raised by Rs55 per litre, flour transportation charges were not increased. However, they said that with petrol having risen by Rs137 per litre and diesel by Rs180 per litre, dealers had been left with no option but to revise delivery rates.

They said all flour dealers would begin supplying flour to markets from tomorrow at the increased transportation rates. The move is expected to further raise flour prices in the twin cities.

Naanbai association seeks bread price revision

Separately, the All Pakistan Naanbai Association has called for an immediate revision in bread prices after what it described as a sharp increase in the cost of petroleum products, flour, gas cylinders, electricity and gas.

The association also warned that it would go on a complete strike next week if bread prices were not revised.

The latest development links higher fuel costs with rising distribution expenses in the flour supply chain, while bakers have also pointed to broader increases in input and utility costs in pressing for a change in bread prices. The association has warned of a complete strike next week if prices are not revised.

The increase in flour delivery charges applies to supplies made across Rawalpindi and Islamabad, affecting retailers as well as commercial users such as tandoors and hotels. With the revised rates taking effect immediately, the cost impact is likely to be felt in market prices as dealers begin deliveries under the new schedule.