Flour shortage hits Rawalpindi and Islamabad after wheat supply halts

A flour crisis has emerged in Rawalpindi and Islamabad following the suspension of wheat supply to local flour mills by the Punjab Food Department.

As per reports, the Flour Mills Association has announced it will cease supplying flour to the twin cities starting Monday, November 10. The association has also canceled all existing orders for the delivery of flour and fine wheat (maida) to dealers, tandoor owners, and grocery merchants, creating a shortage that began on the night of Friday, November 7.

An emergency meeting of the Rawalpindi Flour Mills Association was convened to address the issue. The meeting, which included association’s senior leadership from Punjab,  discussed the impact of the Punjab Food Department’s decision.

Participants raised significant concerns about the suspension of wheat supply permits to mills in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, stressing that the twin cities rely entirely on wheat supplies from wheat-producing regions, as they do not produce wheat locally. The disruption has led to a growing shortage of flour in the cities, affecting both retailers and consumers.