A recent surge in flour prices in Shangla and other upper districts of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has worried residents. The cost of a 20-kilogram bag has risen to Rs 2,850 in Shangla, with a 40-kilogram bag selling for up to Rs 5,700 and a 50-kilogram bag at around Rs 7,000, making it difficult for many low and middle-class families to afford essential food supplies. Residents attribute the price hike to weak government oversight, hoarding, and profiteering.
Residents are facing increased financial pressure due to inflation, compounded by the escalating cost of flour. They are calling on the provincial government and district administration to enforce price controls on essential goods to alleviate the burden on households. Despite the closure of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the recent price surge in the upper districts indicates that illegal smuggling of flour is no longer the primary cause of the price increase, according to residents and traders.
Economists and social observers have cautioned that the ongoing price escalation could exacerbate poverty and food insecurity. They are urging authorities to take action against hoarders and profiteers by activating the price control committee. Recent reports highlight the economic challenges faced by Pakistani households, with a significant portion of income being spent on food and electricity, reflecting the struggle for basic survival in the country.
