PESHAWAR – Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Flour Supply has finally resumed. The Punjab Food Department officially declared 198 flour mills eligible for permits to transport flour to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This move follows the formal approval from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Consequently, the provincial administration expects a significant drop in flour prices across KP within the coming days.
Also Read: Flour Shortage in Pakistan Sparks Political Tensions Between Provinces
Supply Volume and Pricing Impact
Under the new agreement, these mills will supply 80,000 bags of flour daily to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Currently, flour coming from Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala costs an extra 250 rupees per bag due to supply restrictions. However, this new supply chain will likely reduce the price of a 20kg bag by approximately 300 rupees.
Furthermore, this development offers major relief to the tandoor owners (nanbais). Since the cost of raw materials will decrease, the general public can expect cheaper bread prices in the local markets.
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Eligibility Criteria for Flour Mills
The Director General of Food Punjab issued the permits based on a specific stock formula. Specifically, any flour mill in Punjab holding at least 2,000 tons of wheat reserves qualifies for the export permit. This strategic requirement ensures that Punjab maintains its own food security while supporting the needs of its neighboring province.
Previously, supply bottlenecks led to price hikes and shortages in the KP markets. By allowing 198 mills to operate, the government has restored the flow of essential commodities. Therefore, the Punjab to KP Flour Supply will now function more efficiently, stabilizing the market and benefiting millions of consumers.
The provincial food departments worked together to streamline the permit process. The KP government anticipates that the first shipments under this new arrangement will arrive immediately. As a result, the pressure on local wheat reserves will decrease, and market prices will align with the official government rates.
