Sindh CM orders crackdown on wheat hoarding as prices surge

The Sindh government has intensified efforts to stabilize the wheat market after a significant increase in wheat prices triggered concerns over flour affordability

KARACHI: The Sindh government has intensified efforts to stabilize the wheat market after a significant increase in wheat prices triggered concerns over flour affordability and the possibility of supply disruptions across the province.

Presiding over a high-level meeting on Friday, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah directed relevant departments to take immediate action against hoarding, profiteering, and speculative trading practices that could further inflate prices of the essential commodity. He emphasized that the provincial administration would not tolerate any attempt to create artificial shortages or exploit consumers through market manipulation.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the current wheat supply situation, market trends, and the widening difference between the government’s support price and the rates prevailing in the open market. Authorities informed the chief minister that wheat stocks remain available; however, reports suggest that certain traders and stockists may be withholding supplies in anticipation of higher prices.

Expressing concern over these developments, Shah stressed that ensuring the uninterrupted availability of wheat and maintaining affordable flour prices are among the government’s top priorities.

“The welfare of the people of Sindh comes first. We cannot allow anyone to profit by creating uncertainty around a basic food item that millions of households depend upon every day,” the chief minister said.

Officials briefed the meeting on the province’s wheat procurement campaign for the 2025-26 crop season. The Food Department had set a procurement target of one million metric tonnes to strengthen strategic reserves and stabilize market prices. However, procurement progress has remained significantly below expectations.

According to figures presented during the meeting, only 79,835 metric tonnes of wheat had been purchased by June 4. Officials attributed the slow pace largely to the fact that market prices are considerably higher than the government’s announced support price, making it less attractive for growers and traders to sell wheat to official procurement centers.

The chief minister voiced concern over the procurement shortfall and warned that unchecked speculation could place additional pressure on flour prices in the coming months. He instructed the Food Department to enhance market monitoring and coordinate closely with district administrations to identify and take action against those involved in hoarding and illegal stockpiling.

Shah also directed authorities to strengthen enforcement measures aimed at preventing artificial price hikes and ensuring a smooth supply of wheat and flour throughout the province. He called for regular inspections of warehouses, storage facilities, and grain markets to discourage unlawful practices.

The meeting further decided that relevant departments would submit periodic reports on market conditions, procurement progress, and enforcement actions. These reports will help the provincial government assess the effectiveness of its intervention strategy and respond swiftly to any emerging challenges.

Food security experts have warned that fluctuations in wheat prices can have a direct impact on household budgets, particularly for low- and middle-income families, as flour remains a staple food across Pakistan. The Sindh government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining market stability and protecting consumers from unjustified price increases.

Officials said the administration would continue monitoring the situation closely and take additional measures if required to ensure that wheat remains available and affordable across the province.