Potential Disruption in Food Supply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Due to Motorway Closure
Food supply is covered in the report below.
The residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are facing yet another challenge amidst rising fuel prices and inflation. The recent closure of the motorway and GT Road has raised concerns about the disruption of
The residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are facing yet another challenge amidst rising fuel prices and inflation. The recent closure of the motorway and GT Road has raised concerns about the disruption of food supply in the region. Daily deliveries of essential items such as milk, poultry, and other necessities from Punjab are expected to be affected, potentially leading to decreased stock levels in markets and further price increases.
Food supply: Dependency on Punjab for Food Supplies
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa heavily relies on Punjab for its food supplies, including sugar, lentils, poultry, and milk. With the ongoing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march, the blockade of highways connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab poses a significant threat to the timely delivery of essential goods. Vendors have expressed concerns that items like poultry and milk, which require daily replenishment, cannot be stored for long periods. A blockage in transportation routes could exacerbate the already dire supply and demand imbalance, leading to increased market prices.
Impact on Wheat and Flour Supplies
A staggering 80% of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's wheat needs are sourced from Punjab, and disruptions in transportation have already been noted. The closure of major roads raises fears of a shortage of wheat and flour, which may drive prices even higher. With soaring prices of food products already causing distress among consumers, the additional strain on supply chains due to road closures could further inflate costs and result in a scarcity of everyday essentials.
