# Pakistan wheat shortage and import negotiations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-wheat-shortage-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-23T13:44:34.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 6.

In early July, Pakistan’s federal minister for food security declared wheat stocks sufficient, citing a 1.36-million-tonne rise in production. However, provincial officials and industry representatives warned of a potential 3.5-million-tonne deficit, particularly noting low reserves in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

By late July, procurement fell far short of targets in Punjab and Sindh. To address the supply gap for the 2026-27 marketing year, the federal government approved the immediate import of one million tonnes of wheat. The Economic Coordination Committee established a high-powered steering committee, led by the Deputy Prime Minister, to assess provincial requirements and manage the import and distribution mechanism. Amidst the wheat crisis, Pakistan also secured a 60,000-tonne rice export deal with China, expected to generate $300-$400 million.

By early August, national average wheat prices reached a 29-month high of approximately PKR 4,611 per 40kg due to tightening supplies. While the federal government's $340 million import plan remains a primary proposal, it faces resistance from provincial governments, including Punjab, which have been reluctant to formally request additional imports, preferring to rely on existing stocks held by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO).

By late August, the scale of the production shortfall became clearer, with wheat output projected to drop to 28.42 million metric tons from 31.4 million metric tons the previous year. This decline is attributed to a severe dry spell and a contraction in cultivation area. The emergency import costs are now estimated between $350 million and $400 million. Additionally, analysts have raised concerns regarding systemic procurement issues, including allegations that approximately 4.5 million tons of wheat are unaccounted for in Punjab.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Pakistan to import one million tons of wheat amid production drop

Pakistan plans to import one million metric tons of wheat to counter a production drop caused by drought and procurement failures, a move costing an estimated $350 million to $400 million.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-to-import-one-million-tons-of-wheat-amid-production-drop

### 2026-08-09: Pakistan wheat prices hit 29-month high amid import disputes

Pakistan's wheat prices have hit a 29-month high amid supply shortages. The federal government's $340 million plan to import 1 million metric tons faces resistance from provincial authorities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-wheat-prices-hit-29-month-high-amid-import-disputes

### 2026-07-29: Pakistan approves 1 million‑ton wheat import and creates panel to assess provincial needs

Pakistan approved importing 1 million tons of wheat and set up a high‑powered committee, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, to assess provincial needs and stabilise prices.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-approves-1-millionton-wheat-import-and-creates-panel-to-assess-provincial-needs

### 2026-07-24: Pakistan to Import One Million Tonnes of Wheat to Stabilize Prices

Pakistan approved an immediate import of one million tonnes of wheat to address a supply shortfall and curb rising wheat and flour prices nationwide.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-to-import-one-million-tonnes-of-wheat-to-stabilize-prices

### 2026-07-23: Pakistan expands rice exports to China amid deepening wheat shortage

Pakistan aims to earn $300‑$400 M by exporting 60,000 t of rice to China while a wheat shortfall risks price spikes and further import costs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-expands-rice-exports-to-china-amid-deepening-wheat-shortage

### 2026-07-11: Pakistan wheat supply declared stable as minister denies shortage amid import calls

Pakistan's food minister says wheat stocks are sufficient, but other officials warn of a 3.5 Mt deficit and call for imports to prevent a supply crisis.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-wheat-supply-declared-stable-as-minister-denies-shortage-amid-import-calls

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Cite as: Pakistan wheat shortage and import negotiations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-wheat-shortage-crisis