The price hike comes after the cost of essential commodities rose, and preparations are reportedly underway to adjust flour prices accordingly.

Flour supply has also been disrupted, with government-issued flour bags scarce in the open market due to a two-week supply interruption.

The Punjab government currently sets the price of a 10-kilogram bag of flour at Rs905 and a 20-kilogram bag at Rs1,810. If the requested increase is approved, the price of a 10-kilogram bag would rise to Rs1,030 and a 20-kilogram bag to Rs2,060.

Meanwhile, wheat harvesting has begun in Punjab, and the provincial government has raised the wheat procurement rate from Rs3,000 to Rs3,500 per unit, a move that could further push up flour prices. A spokesperson for the Food Department said new flour prices will be determined soon.