Flour prices in Karachi have climbed sharply despite the provincial food minister's notice, with fine flour reaching Rs200 per kilogram and other flour varieties also being sold well above official rates.
According to market reports, fine flour is being sold at Rs200 per kg, while No. 2.5 flour has reached Rs150 per kg in various parts of the city.
The prices are significantly higher than the officially notified rates. Fine flour is being sold at Rs79 per kg above the official price, while No. 2.5 flour is being sold at Rs37 per kg above the prescribed rate.
The increase in flour prices has also pushed up the cost of bread (Roti) rising from Rs25 to Rs30.
Residents accused traders of ignoring official price controls and said the Karachi administration had failed to take effective action against profiteering.
Citizens described the increase as unjustified and complained that affordable flour had become increasingly difficult to obtain.
"The inflation bomb has fallen even before the budget," several consumers said while expressing concern over rising food costs.