KARACHI: A ship carrying 51,000 tonnes of imported wheat has arrived at Karachi Port, raising hopes that wheat and flour prices may decline in the coming days, ARY News reported.
The vessel is currently berthed at berths 16 and 17. Another ship carrying 59,132 tonnes of wheat is expected to arrive on November 3.
Together, the two vessels will bring more than 110,000 tonnes of wheat into the country. Bulk wheat handling is underway at Karachi Port through KGTML.
Government Expects Wheat Prices to Stabilise
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain has expressed confidence that wheat prices will return to normal within the next few days. He attributed the recent price increase to artificial factors and the intervention of certain market players.
The minister said the government had fixed the wheat price at Rs4,500 per maund after consultations with all provinces. According to him, the federal government has introduced a comprehensive national wheat policy after 40 years, with provincial governments reaching a consensus on the price.
He added that the government had set the price to protect farmers’ interests.
Government Rules Out Wheat Shortage
Rana Tanveer Hussain said Pakistan would maintain strategic wheat reserves of up to six million metric tonnes this year. He ruled out the possibility of a wheat shortage and assured the public that the country had sufficient stocks.
The minister also said the government would prioritise purchasing wheat from local farmers rather than relying on imports.
Meanwhile, more than 1.3 million metric tonnes of wheat have been supplied to the provinces from PASSCO stocks, according to the minister.
He added that the government could arrange imports of up to 550,000 metric tonnes, depending on provincial demand.
