Sharp rise in flour and lentils prices

ISLAMABAD: The prices of essential food items have skyrocketed in the country, particularly since the recent budget implementation, with lentils and flour being the latest commodities to witness a price hike.

In Peshawar, the cost of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has risen to Rs2,200. Dealers report that mixed flour now costs Rs2,100 per 20 kg bag, up by Rs500 within the same period.

Read more: Utility store prices for flour, sugar exceed market rates

Earlier in July, the price of a 20-kg flour bag increased by Rs200 in Peshawar, while an 80 kg bag saw a Rs1,000 hike. Before the recent hike, a 20 kg bag was priced at Rs2,000 after a Rs200 rise. Meanwhile, a mixed flour rose from Rs1,700 to Rs1,900.

In Punjab, recent reports state that a 20 kg bag of flour is now being sold for up to Rs1,900, while the price of fine flour is varying from Rs7,000 to Rs8,000.

Meanwhile, the cost of lentils has also risen sharply. Red lentils now sells at Rs520 per kg, an increase of Rs40. Chickpea and mung bean have both risen by Rs40, now priced at Rs230 and Rs260 per kilogram, respectively.

The recent federal budget introduced new import taxes that has further impacted food price. Withholding taxes on packaged flour is expected to raise the price of a 20 kg bag to Rs1,830.

This has led to concerns among wheat dealers, wholesalers, and flour mills about additional price hikes in essential commodities.

Read more: Rising wheat prices push flour prices up in Lahore, Rawalpindi

The Flour Mills Association has opposed the withholding tax, urging its withdrawal to ease the financial burden on consumers and stabilise food prices.