Road closures threaten food supplies in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

The people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, already facing rising inflation and higher petroleum prices, could face another challenge as the closure of major highways threatens to disrupt the supply of essential food items.

The closure of the motorway and GT Road could affect the transportation of milk, poultry and other daily-use commodities arriving from Punjab. Any prolonged disruption could reduce stocks in local markets and put further pressure on prices.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa relies heavily on Punjab for supplies of several essential commodities, including sugar, pulses, poultry, milk and other everyday food items. Regular transportation between the two provinces is therefore important for maintaining supplies in markets across K-P.

The possible road closures have raised concerns among traders and consumers ahead of the PTI long march. Highways connecting Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa could face disruptions, potentially slowing the movement of goods and creating difficulties for suppliers.

Shopkeepers said products such as milk and poultry are transported to markets on a daily basis and cannot be stored for long periods. Any interruption in transportation could therefore quickly affect availability.

Traders warned that a gap between supply and demand could put additional pressure on prices. If supplies fall while demand remains unchanged, consumers could face higher prices for essential food items.

Flour and wheat supplies are another major concern. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa reportedly meets around 80 per cent of its wheat and flour requirements through supplies from Punjab. Transportation of these commodities has already been affected, raising concerns that further road closures could lead to shortages and additional price increases.

Food prices in K-P have already risen amid higher petroleum costs and increased transportation expenses. Any further disruption to supply routes could intensify pressure on household budgets.