Hike in flour, onion prices adds to consumers’ woes in Karachi

Karachi residents are grappling with higher prices for everyday staples, as flour millers across the city have increased rates by up to Rs275 per 50kg bag. This price surge has also led to a rise in the cost of common bread varieties like naan, sheermal, and taftaan by Rs5-10, resulting in a weekly bill of Rs150-180 per kilogramme for onions – a marked increase from Rs110-150 per kg just a week prior.

Flour millers justified the price hike by pointing to rising wheat prices in the open market, with 50kg bags of flour no. 2.5, maida, and fine flour now costing Rs7,200, Rs7,600, and Rs7,750 respectively, up from Rs5,600, Rs5,800, and Rs6,000 earlier this year. Many big tandoor operators are charging up to Rs35 for a naan, up from Rs30, while sheermal and taftaan prices have jumped to Rs110 from Rs100 per piece.

These price hikes come as the Karachi commissioner had previously set official rates for roti varieties in February. Despite these official rates, tandoor owners have been increasing prices by Rs2-10 per piece since May and June. With the new wheat crop expected to arrive within the next seven to eight months, traders warn that the current imports may not suffice to meet the nation's demand, with over four million tonnes required.

Meanwhile, Sindh’s new onion crop is expected to enter the market by the end of September and October, filling the gap left by the suspension of Afghan onion imports.