Flour mills in Pakistan have demanded a Rs250 increase in the price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour, raising it from Rs1,810 to Rs2,060, following a recent surge in petroleum product prices that has fueled a new wave of inflation.

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.