Key Takeaways
- Mill owners agreed to reduce the ex-mill price of wheat flour by Rs8 per kilogram.
- The new price will take immediate effect, benefiting consumers across Karachi.
- Flour mill owners also committed to establishing fair price stalls for subsidized sales.
Flour mill owners in Karachi have agreed to reduce the ex-mill price of wheat flour by Rs8 per kilogram following successful negotiations with local authorities. The decision, announced on Sunday, will come into effect immediately and is expected to provide immediate relief to consumers amid rising food prices.
The reduction was reached during a meeting held at the Commissioner’s Office under the directives of Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah. Representatives from the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) and other mill owners participated in the discussions, alongside senior officials including Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi and Sindh Food Secretary Ghulam Abbas.
According to the Commissioner, the reduction in ex-mill prices will lead to a corresponding decline in wholesale and retail flour prices across Karachi. This move is part of the Sindh government’s efforts to stabilize essential commodity prices and provide relief to households facing increasing inflationary pressures.
As part of the agreement, mill owners have assured the administration that they will establish fair price stalls across the city to ensure consumers can access flour at subsidized rates. The PFMA representatives, including Chairman Abdul Junaid and Vice Chairman, emphasized their commitment to making this initiative a success.
The decision follows a series of measures taken by the Sindh government to address rising food prices. In recent months, the government has been working closely with industry stakeholders to find solutions that benefit both producers and consumers.
Speaking at the meeting, Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi stated, 'This reduction in ex-mill prices will have a direct impact on the overall cost of flour for consumers. We are confident that this move will help alleviate some of the financial burden on households.'
The new price of wheat flour will now be Rs125 per kilogram, down from the previous rate of Rs133. The immediate implementation of these changes is expected to provide quick relief to consumers who have been grappling with higher food costs.
Industry representatives and government officials expressed optimism that this agreement would not only benefit consumers but also contribute to overall economic stability in Karachi.
'This reduction in ex-mill prices will have a direct impact on the overall cost of flour for consumers.'
Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, Commissioner Karachi
