Sindh Minister for Food Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman has taken serious notice of reports regarding increases in flour and bread prices in various parts of the province and has directed the Food Department and district administrations to immediately review the situation and take effective measures to control prices.
According to an official report issued today, the provincial minister clarified that Sindh has witnessed a bumper wheat crop this year and that there is no shortage of wheat or flour in the province. Therefore, he said, there is no room for panic or artificial market uncertainty.
Zaman stated that any artificial increase in the prices of wheat, flour, and bread would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that providing relief to the public remains the top priority of the Sindh Government. He sought a detailed report from senior officials of the Food Department regarding wheat stocks, flour availability, the supply chain, and the overall price situation in the market to facilitate timely decisions based on facts and ground realities.
The minister directed the concerned authorities to ensure continuous monitoring of prices at flour mills, wholesale and retail markets, as well as bakeries across the province, and to thwart any attempts at hoarding, profiteering, or creating artificial shortages. He said that ample stocks of wheat and flour were available and, therefore, there was no justification for any unwarranted increase in prices.
Zaman warned that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in hoarding and profiteering, while an indiscriminate crackdown would be launched against elements creating artificial price hikes in essential commodities and causing hardship to consumers.
He further directed the Food Department to monitor wheat stocks, supply, and market rates on a daily basis and to immediately report any unlawful increase in flour or bread prices in any district or locality. The provincial minister said that the Sindh Government was utilizing all available resources to ensure the supply of quality flour and bread at affordable prices and would maintain price stability at all costs.
He also appealed to the public to promptly inform the relevant authorities about any complaints regarding illegal price increases or artificial shortages of flour and bread so that immediate action could be taken.