Pakistan Issues Tender to Import 750,000 Tonnes of Wheat
The federal government has launched an international tender for 750,000 metric tonnes of wheat to address domestic shortfalls, with deliveries slated for Karachi or Gwadar ports.
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Wheat import signals a supply gap that may lift food inflation, creating pressure on the broader economy and market sentiment; avoid new exposure.
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Sectors: Economy, Markets — Negative · Do not buy. PSX tickers: OGDC, PPL, MARI, PSO, SNGP, ATRL. Wheat import signals a supply gap that may lift food inflation, creating pressure on the broader economy and market sentiment; avoid new exposure.
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Open on ARY News## Government Tender for Wheat Imports
The federal government, through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), has issued an international tender inviting sealed bids from global wheat suppliers for 750,000 metric tonnes of wheat, plus or minus 10 percent at the government's discretion. The tender follows Rule 21(A) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2004, and specifies a Cost and Freight (CFR) basis for delivery.
## Allocation and Distribution
The bulk wheat will be shipped to either Karachi or Gwadar ports and must come from the latest crop. Once arrived, the wheat will be allocated to provinces based on need: Sindh is slated to receive 300,000 tonnes, Punjab 250,000 tonnes, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 200,000 tonnes.
## Approval Process
The import decision was approved by a committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already sanctioned the import of one million tonnes of wheat.
## Domestic Supply Context
Pakistan’s annual wheat consumption is estimated at about 31.3 million tonnes, while projected domestic production for the current year stands at roughly 29.6 million tonnes. The shortfall of around 1.7 million tonnes prompted the government to act to avoid potential flour price spikes and ensure food security.
## Expected Impact
Officials emphasized that the imports aim to balance demand and supply, preventing shortages that could drive up flour prices and affect overall food security.
## Outlook
The tender process is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, after which contracts will be awarded and shipments scheduled, helping to stabilize wheat availability ahead of the upcoming harvest season.