Flour Restrictions Spark Humanitarian Crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Prices Double as Supplies Halt from Punjab

The Flour Crisis in KP has escalated into one of the most severe food-security emergencies the province has seen in years. With the flow of wheat and flour from Punjab halted for more than three weeks, markets across the region are witnessing unprecedented shortages, skyrocketing prices, and growing public anxiety.

The dispute, rooted in widening political differences between the federal and provincial governments, has effectively blocked all commercial movement of wheat and flour into K-P. Authorities in Punjab have tightened checks, resulting in thousands of sacks unable to cross into the province from the Attock Bridge entry point. This blockade has pushed the already fragile flour supply chain to the edge of collapse.

Flour Prices Have More Than Doubled in a Few Weeks

Only weeks ago, a standard 20-kilogram flour bag in K-P was sold for Rs1,400. Today, the same bag has hit Rs2,900, and in some urban pockets, white flour bags are retailing for Rs3,200 or more.

For middle-income households, this rate jump is devastating.

Rehan Afridi, a resident of Jamrud district and a small business owner, shared how the crisis has shattered monthly budgets.
He recalled buying two 20-kg bags for Rs3,000 last month—now, a single bag costs Rs5,400 to Rs5,600 in some markets due to artificial scarcity and hoarding.

“Flour and ghee are essential items in our monthly budget. Their prices doubling has completely disturbed our household expenses,” he lamented.

Warehouses Full — But Government Missing in Action

Despite an apparent shortage in retail markets, warehouses in many rural and urban areas are reportedly stocked with flour. According to Suzuki driver and resident Nabi Jan, the government could easily stabilize prices by purchasing from wholesalers and selling at low margins.

However, he criticized the provincial administration for remaining “silent” and “absent” during a critical food crisis.

Traders warn that bread (roti) makers may soon demand an increase in roti prices, or else they will shut down operations. A province-wide roti strike could trigger deeper public unrest.

Flour Mills Operating at Only 10% Capacity

The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (K-P chapter) paints an even grimmer picture.
Chairman Naeem Butt disclosed that 90% of flour mills in K-P have shut down, unable to receive wheat supplies from Punjab.

Punjab historically fulfills nearly 80–90% of K-P’s wheat demand.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces only 1.2 million metric tonnes annually, against a total requirement of 5.3 million metric tonnes—a massive 4.1 million tonne deficit that Punjab traditionally fills.

With this supply line blocked, operational mills are running on minimal stockpiles, producing expensive flour, which further fuels inflation.

Business Community Raises Alarms

Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Junaid Altaf, appealed to top civil and military leadership to intervene immediately.

“This fragile flour industry is being pushed to the edge of destruction,” he warned, calling the wheat movement ban “economically and humanely catastrophic” for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He urged the government to lift restrictions before the crisis expands into mass hunger and unrest.

Wheat Supply Blocked at Attock Bridge for Nearly a Month

Dealers report that no wheat or flour truck is being allowed to enter K-P from Punjab.
One Peshawar flour dealer, Kifayat Khan, confirmed that it has been “almost a month” since the last consignment crossed the Attock Bridge.

He said a 20-kg bag costing Rs1,800 in Punjab is now selling for Rs3,000 or more in K-P due to complete disruption of supply.

Political Tensions Worsening the Crisis

Former K-P finance minister Taimur Jhagra pointed fingers at the federal government, claiming it is blocking the release of the NFC Award arrears and important development funds for the province.

He urged all sides to set politics aside, insisting that “basic public needs must never be ignored” during political conflicts.

Potential Humanitarian Crisis if Restrictions Continue

Experts warn that if the blockade extends further:

• Prices may cross Rs4,000 per 20 kg
• Bread (roti) makers may shut down or raise prices sharply
• Mills could completely halt production
• Food insecurity may spike in rural districts
• A humanitarian assistance plan may become necessary

Local communities are already reporting distress, reduced meals, and an inability to afford essential staples.

📌 Conclusion – Flour Crisis in KP Punjab Supply Ban Price Hike 2025

The Flour Crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is now spiraling into a dangerous humanitarian emergency. With wheat movement from Punjab halted, flour mills shutting down, and prices doubling in just weeks, millions of residents are struggling to afford their most basic staple: roti.

Unless both federal and provincial governments step back from political differences and restore wheat transportation immediately, the province could face bread shortages, widespread strikes, and escalating public unrest.

This is no longer just a food market issue—it’s a rising humanitarian crisis.