Wheat shipment arrives, flour prices may plunge

KARACHI (TKP Report): Another shipment of 51,000 tonnes of imported wheat has arrived at Karachi Port, raising hopes of improved domestic supplies and a possible reduction of Rs25 to Rs30 per kilogram in flour prices, as the government moves to strengthen availability ahead of a potential shortage.

The vessel, MV Gokova M, arrived from Varna Port, Bulgaria, and was berthed at Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML), berth No. 16/17. More than 7,200 tonnes of wheat have already been discharged, while unloading operations are continuing, according to Karachi Port Trust (KPT).

Market sources expect the additional supply to ease pressure on the domestic wheat market and help bring down flour prices in Karachi. Currently, No. 2.5 flour is reportedly selling at Rs165 to Rs170 per kilogram, while prices could potentially decline to Rs145-Rs150 per kilogram following the arrival and distribution of imported wheat.

The government has also made arrangements for further imports, with three additional wheat-carrying vessels expected to arrive at Karachi Port over the next two weeks. Their arrival is expected to improve market availability and strengthen supplies to flour mills.

The anticipated price reduction, however, will depend on the timely discharge, transportation and release of imported wheat into the domestic market, as well as whether the benefit of lower supply costs reaches consumers.

The latest arrival comes as Karachi Port Trust has demonstrated its capacity to handle major agricultural imports simultaneously. Ministry of Maritime Affairs said KPT had provided berthing facilities to two foreign bulk carriers carrying a combined 101,000 tonnes of wheat and fertiliser.

According to KPT, the two vessels, MV Gokova M and MV Zhong Chang 538, were accommodated simultaneously at KGTML. While the former carried 51,000 tonnes of wheat, the latter brought 50,000 tonnes of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, an essential agricultural input.

The DAP-carrying vessel was berthed at berth No. 10/11, where 48,525 tonnes of fertiliser had already been discharged. During the preceding 24 hours, 5,481 tonnes of DAP were handled.

The federal minister appreciated the performance of KPT engineers, port operators, pilots, terminal operators and dock workers, saying the timely handling of essential imports was vital for agricultural productivity and national food security.

He said the simultaneous berthing and cargo operations reflected the port’s operational capacity, efficient utilisation of berths and improved cargo-handling arrangements.

The minister added that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs was pursuing reforms to reduce vessel turnaround time, improve port management and strengthen maritime infrastructure to facilitate international trade and ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities and agricultural inputs.

KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed said Karachi Port played a central role in the country’s trade and supply chain, particularly in the import of food commodities and agricultural inputs.

He said both vessels had been given berthing priority in accordance with government directives, adding that KPT was working to modernise its infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency and increase cargo-handling capacity.

With three more wheat shipments expected within the next fortnight, the market will be closely watching whether increased imports translate into lower retail prices. For consumers facing high food costs, the timely release of imported wheat could provide much-needed relief and help stabilise the flour market.