Wheat release, import plans fail to ease market prices

The federal government's decision to import 1 million tonnes of wheat and Punjab's early wheat releases to flour mills have so far failed to ease domestic wheat prices, as persistent supply concerns continue to support the market.

 

Wholesale wheat prices across 12 major districts in Punjab rose 4.4%–5.6% within four days, reaching PKR 3,803–3,992 per 40kg by July 31. In Lahore, prices briefly declined after the import announcement but rebounded to PKR 4,700 per 40kg by August 4.

 

Market participants said the planned import volume is insufficient to bridge the supply gap, while uncertainty over shipment arrivals and limited local availability have kept prices elevated. Analysts expect wheat prices to remain under pressure until imported supplies reach the domestic market and significantly improve availability.