Pakistan Wheat Prices Defy Import Plan, Continue to Rise

The government's plan to import one million tonnes of wheat has failed to ease pressure on domestic wheat and flour prices. According to official data, the national average price of 10 kilograms of wheat increased to Rs1,223 from Rs1,179 a week earlier. The average price of fine flour rose to Rs152.14 per kilogram from Rs148.

Market participants attribute the persistent rise in prices to speculative buying and hoarding, arguing that stronger domestic production has yet to translate into lower consumer prices. Analysts and traders say the planned import is unlikely to provide immediate relief, as imported wheat is expected to arrive only after two to three months.

The government's import plan has also divided the grain trade, with some private commodity importers urging Islamabad to allow commercial imports of up to four million tonnes. Others oppose opening imports to the private sector, citing cartelisation and increased costs.