Wheat prices fall after imports, but flour and roti remain costly for consumers

Wheat prices in Pakistan’s open market eased after a 51,000-tonne consignment reached Karachi on October 28, Profit by Pakistan Today reported. Rates fell from Rs140 to Rs130 per kg, while wholesalers quoted about Rs132 and millers reported Rs136 to Rs137; another 58,132-tonne vessel was expected on Tuesday. The planned import programme totals 750,000 tonnes, but market participants estimate a shortfall exceeding two million tonnes before the next crop arrives between March and May.

Lower wheat costs have not yet translated into cheaper retail flour or bread. Mill prices for flour No 2.5, maida and fine flour declined to Rs156, Rs168 and Rs171 per kg, but retail rates remained Rs170-180, Rs185-190 and Rs185-190, respectively; tandoor operators cited LPG at Rs500 to Rs550 per kg as a reason roti prices have held. The Sensitive Price Index showed Karachi’s 20kg flour bag reaching Rs3,540, against a national average of Rs3,200, while Hyderabad prices stood at Rs3,360 to Rs3,400.