Two ships carrying more than 300,000 tonnes of Russian wheat arrived in Karachi on Monday, giving Pakistan, which is dealing with a flour shortage and skyrocketing prices for the necessary good, much-needed relief.
Pakistan will import 700,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia, with the remaining 400,000 tonnes due to arrive at the Gwadar Port by the end of March, according to the Ministry of National Food Security & Research.
Since the total amount of wheat imported is close to 350,000 tonnes, other ships carrying wheat have also been anchored at the Karachi Port.
The worsening macroeconomic situation, the reduction in foreign exchange reserves, and the destruction of wheat crops by the floods have all contributed to the worsening flour crisis in Pakistan.
People are struggling to get a single bag of the daily-use commodity and stampedes have also been reported at sale points in rural parts of the country as the people endeavor to get subsidized flour bags.
The price of flour has soared to Rs130 per kg, fine flour was available for Rs150 per kg and Chakki flour was selling at a price of Rs160 per kg.
