Punjab Approves Rs10bn Flour Subsidy Amid Price Concerns

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a Rs10 billion subsidy aimed at keeping flour prices under control after expressing concern over rising prices in the province. The decision was taken following an emergency meeting held through video link, where officials reviewed the supply and affordability of wheat and flour for the public.

The meeting focused on steps to ensure that flour remains available at affordable rates across Punjab. Officials decided to increase the quota of subsidised government wheat supplied to flour mills, with the wheat to be provided at Rs3,800 per maund. The subsidy was approved as part of the provincial government’s effort to reduce pressure on consumers facing higher food costs.

Maryam directed the relevant authorities to use all available resources to ensure that people can purchase flour at reasonable prices. She said the burden of inflation on the people of Punjab was painful and stressed that the government would continue working to provide relief through subsidised flour and affordable roti.

The decision comes at a time when flour prices remain a sensitive issue for households across the province. Wheat and flour are basic food staples, and even small increases in prices can affect low-income families, daily wage earners and urban consumers who rely heavily on market purchases for daily meals.

The provincial government’s latest move signals that it wants to intervene directly in the supply chain by supporting flour mills through subsidised wheat. If implemented properly, the measure could help stabilise retail prices and reduce immediate pressure on consumers, although its success will depend on monitoring, distribution discipline and enforcement at the market level.

Maryam also warned that negligence in the provision of subsidised flour would not be tolerated. The next step for provincial departments will be to ensure that the increased wheat quota reaches mills and that the benefit is passed on to citizens through lower or stable flour prices.