By: Tufail Abbasi
Murree: Flour dealers in Murree have rejected the official price of Rs. 1,810 for a 20-kilogram bag, arguing that they are compelled to buy from flour mills at Rs. 2,400 per bag and therefore cannot sell at the government-notified rate.
Dealers contend that the responsibility lies with the government, which has yet to begin supplying subsidized wheat to mills. Without government wheat, they say, flour mills cannot provide flour at controlled prices, leaving dealers unable to comply with the official rate list.
They also complain that they are unfairly accused of hoarding if flour does not reach the market, while being pressured to sell at official prices even when purchasing at higher mill rates. This, they argue, has created an impossible situation for traders and left citizens suffering in the process.
Dealers stress that until the Punjab government ensures the provision of official wheat to mills, enforcing controlled prices will remain impractical. They further suggest that the government should establish its own flour mills to guarantee supply during crises and to prevent profiteering and market distortions.
