CHARSADDA: The prices of wheat flour have increased manifold after closure of local flour mills due to ban by Punjab government on transportation of wheat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and imposition of Section 144 on purchase of wheat by local mills.

According to consumers, the price of 20-kg flour bag has increased from Rs1,020 to Rs1,100 in the local market. They said that last year the price of 20-kg of flour was Rs700. They feared further hike in the price of flour if the situation remained the same.

The local flour mills owners have feared flour crisis in the district if the government fails to take preemptive measures in this regard. They have demanded of the provincial government to take steps for lifting ban on movement of wheat from Punjab and Section 144 on purchase of wheat at local level.

They said that although local production of wheat was not sufficient yet it could fulfill the requirement to some extent. The mills owners said that permit holders were transporting wheat from Punjab but it cost additional from Rs50, 000 to Rs60,000 per truck owing to which prices of flour were increased.

Meanwhile, commuters face hardships after most of the filling stations have stopped sale after government announced cut in prices of petroleum products.

The local people have demanded of the district administration to take notice of the issue and ensure supply of fuel to commuters. They alleged when prices of petrol increased the petrol pumps owners implemented it with immediate effect but when it decreased then they adopted delaying tactics.

Moreover, the passengers have expressed concerns over inaction of district administration against transporters to reduce fares. They regretted that the government had no relief plan for the poor people.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2020