Punjab Approves Rs10 Billion Subsidy to Keep Flour Affordable

The Punjab government has sanctioned a Rs10 billion subsidy to keep flour prices affordable and decided to raise the supply of subsidised wheat to flour mills at a rate of Rs3,800 per maund.

The measures were approved during an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif through a video link to assess the recent surge in wheat and flour prices across the province.

Participants voiced concern over what they described as artificial price hikes in wheat and flour, agreeing to take steps to ensure consistent supplies and prevent prices from climbing further.

The chief minister instructed the relevant departments to make wheat and flour available to consumers at affordable rates throughout Punjab.

Under the approved plan, flour mills will receive a larger quota of subsidised wheat priced at Rs3,800 per maund, supported by the Rs10 billion subsidy intended to keep flour supplies affordable.

Maryam Nawaz highlighted the pressure that rising food costs are placing on households and directed officials to use available resources to reduce the financial burden on consumers.

She reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to maintaining access to reasonably priced flour and low-cost roti.

The meeting also stressed the importance of effective market interventions to curb artificial price increases and ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential food commodities.