LAHORE – The Punjab government’s two-week crackdown on hoarders has led to the recovery of 338,000 tons of wheat, delivering major relief to wheat and flour markets across the province. This Punjab wheat recovery marks a significant step in stabilizing food supply and curbing inflation.
Talha Malik, spokesperson for the Punjab Price Control Department, said wheat stocks at flour mills have now reached 1.5 million tons. He credited the anti-hoarding campaign for easing market pressure and improving availability.
Dealers confirmed the impact. “Wheat, which was unavailable at Rs. 4,000 per 40 kg earlier this month, is now selling for Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 3,200,” said Muhammad Aslam, a trader at Lahore’s Kahna grain market.
Flour prices have also dropped. “A 20-kg bag that cost Rs. 2,500 two weeks ago now sells for Rs. 1,800,” said Hafiz Zeeshan Ghafoori, a wholesale dealer at LOS grain market. He hopes strict enforcement will keep prices stable until the next crop arrives in April.
In addition to storage raids, the government has banned wheat purchases by feed mills used for animal and poultry feed. Officials say this measure will prevent diversion of food-grade wheat into non-human consumption channels.
Former PFMA chairman Iftikhar Ahmad Matto welcomed the move. “Wheat is a staple for humans, not animals. The ban is a wise decision,” he said.
He explained that feed millers had shifted to wheat due to a price gap with maize. “Wheat is Rs. 3,000 per 40 kg, while maize has surged to Rs. 4,000 due to poor harvests,” he added. This diversion had reduced wheat stocks and driven up prices.
Such operations are especially vital at a time when communities across Punjab are grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods. In these conditions, hoarding not only disrupts supply chains but also deepens the vulnerabilities of already affected populations. Targeted enforcement against profiteering is a necessary step toward protecting public access to essential food staples.
