Lockdown: People face flour shortage in Punjab

MULTAN: Locals are facing a shortage of flour and other commodities in markets here on the second day of lockdown. Citizens were spotted buying wheat flour from local grinding mills. There are also reports of charging higher prices for the flour by shopkeepers in several areas. People find them in a sticky situation as utility stores are functioning without the supply of flour.

Talking to reporters, they said if the same situation persists for more days, the utility stores will also face shortage of basic commodities. However, the city district administration officials said an aggressive strategy is underway against those who are involved in creating artificial shortage of flour. They said the Deputy Commissioner (DC) has ordered continuous monitoring of flour mills and checking stock registers at different shops. They said 48 flour mills are functioning in the district and are providing 75,000 bags of each 10 kilogram in the market daily. They said the artificial shortage of flour would be tackled in two days.

JARANWALA: People have shown concern over shortage of flour in the city. The people said that the shortage was started due to fear of coronavirus as some people stored flour in their houses. They said that they were searching flour in every nook and corner of the city but to no avail. The people said that the Municipal Committee had also closed Sasta Bazaar where flour was available some days ago. The people have demanded the government ensure the availability of flour in the city.

GUJRANWALA: Citizens are facing problems due to flour shortage in different areas due to lockdown in the city. The people claimed if flour was available, shopkeepers were demanding the prices of their choice. The people said that 20kg flour bag was easily available at Rs 810 to 850 some days ago but now the rate of 20kg bag had reached Rs1,100 to Rs 1,200. They lamented that wheat grinders had also started overcharging and were selling flour at Rs 70 to Rs 80 per kg. The people demanded the government look into the matter to resolve the issue.