KARACHI (February 11 2004): Hoarders have added fuel to the fire in wheat shortage in Sindh as they have restricted release of stocks in the market.

Following the shortage of the commodity in the government godowns, the hoarders have started doing flourishing business and selling wheat at prices ranging between Rs 600 and Rs 700 per maund.

The prices of flour and allied items registered an abrupt jump and are still on the rise without any hope of normalcy in the market.

Flour millers across the province have complained about short supply by the government.

Flour is now available at Rs 16 per kg. Market sources said that this situation would continue till the new crop reached the market.

The harvest of the new crop is expected by the end of April. All the varieties of baked breads have gone up. Nan (Chappati) in the restaurants is now being sold at Rs 2.50, showing an increase of 50 paisa per piece.

The sources said that the government would have to impose strict control on the sale of wheat and its flour to keep the prices at normal level.

Courtesy Business Recorder