An anti-hoarding crackdown in Hyderabad has triggered an unexpected wheat shortage, with traders and flour mill owners reporting limited supplies despite government efforts to stabilize prices.

According to market sources, wheat has largely disappeared from shops after district authorities launched raids against alleged profiteers and seized thousands of sacks from warehouses. The move initially pushed wheat prices lower, but supplies soon tightened as dealers reportedly reduced stock releases, creating fresh pressure on the local market.

The shortage has driven chakki flour prices up to Rs145 per kilogram in several parts of Hyderabad, around Rs9 above the government-approved retail price. Flour mill owners say they are struggling to purchase wheat at official rates, claiming dealers are demanding higher prices while limiting deliveries.

Industry representatives argue that many mills had already purchased wheat at elevated prices before the crackdown, making it difficult to sell flour at government-fixed rates without incurring losses. As a result, some businesses have reportedly reduced sales despite complying with official pricing directives.

A delegation of the Hyderabad Chakki Owners Welfare Association has urged Sindh government officials to address the supply crisis, calling for immediate wheat imports and policy measures to stabilize the market. They warned that unless wheat prices and supply chains are normalized, flour prices are likely to remain under pressure, affecting both businesses and consumers.