The combination of coronavirus pandemic and hoarders is proving a headache for citizens as there is severe shortage of flour in various cities, while the prices of daily use items are also on the rise.

According to 24NewsHD TV channel, the hoarders are taking full advantage of the pandemic. In fact, many utility stores too do not have the necessary food items.

Hence, it is not a surprise that flour and wheat have become precious even in the hometown of Punjab Food Minister Samiullah Chaudhry, as the people are facing great hardships in buying the basic necessities.

24NewsHD reported that the hoarders had increased the prices in Islamabad, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Bahawalpur and other cities. As a result, the 20-kg flour bag was available for Rs1,000.

Meanwhile, the price of 15-kg flour bag has been increased by Rs250 in the federal capital.

As far as Bahawalpur – the hometown of the Punjab food minister – is concerned, the city is not only experiencing the wheat and flour shortage but sugar has also gone missing from the utility stores where there are no rate lists for the consumers.

Similar reports are coming about the utility stores in Khushab, Gujrat and Hafizabad where the empty outlets are waiting for the citizens.

Citizens are saying that they have been forced to face hunger after establishing the stalls of substandard flour. They also questioned how they could get flour from atta chakis when wheat wasn’t available.