CM directs authorities to protect consumers from artificial hike in flour prices

KARACHI, Jun 05 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has expressed serious concern over rising market prices of wheat, directing the provincial authorities to regulate the market to protect consumers from an artificial hike in flour prices.

Presiding over a meeting on wheat market stability, the Chief Minister reviewed the widening price gap between the official support price and open market rates, and the risks posed by speculative stockpiling of wheat.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Mukesh Chawla, Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, Jam Khan Shoro, Makhdoom Mahboob Zaman, Advisor Gianchand Israni, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Secretary to CM Asif Jameel, Secretary Agriculture Zaman Narejo, Secretary Food Naich and other concerned.

Officials briefed the Chief Minister that in line with the Sindh cabinet decision of March 31, 2026, wheat procurement for the 2025–26 crop commenced on April 1, 2026, with a target of 1 million metric tonnes. The government had fixed the support price at Rs3,500 per 40 kg, with a bardana payment of Rs60 per 50 kg bag.

The scheme targeted 332,090 beneficiaries of the Sindh Wheat Growers Support Programme 2025. However, as of June 4, 2026, the Food Department has been able to procure only 79,835.66 metric tonnes of wheat against the target of 1 million metric tonnes.

The meeting was informed that low procurement was primarily due to price disparity between the government’s support price and the prevailing market rate.

Speculation and risks to food security

The Chief Minister was informed that wheat was available in the market, but some hoarders are trying to create artificial supply gaps.

“This speculation-based hoarding directly undermines provincial food security and price stability,” Murad Shah said. “Our first responsibility is to the people of Sindh. Wheat must remain available, affordable and secure. We will not allow any speculator to play with the staple food of our citizens.”

Concluding the meeting, CM Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the interests of both farmers and consumers. “Wheat is not just a commodity – it is the staple food of our people and a cornerstone of social stability,” he said. “My government will do everything necessary, in partnership with growers, millers, traders and the federal authorities, to guarantee stable supplies and fair prices. Speculation and artificial shortages will not be allowed to undermine the rights of our citizens.”

The CM directed the Food Department and other relevant agencies to submit regular progress reports on regulations. “The people of Sindh expect us to act with urgency and responsibility,” the Chief Minister said. “We will not disappoint them.”