RAHIM YAR KHAN, Dec 5: The monopoly of the flour millers has caused the shortage of flour which has resulted in sky rocketing prices of the commodity in the local market.

It has been observed that flour millers are selling a 20kg bag for at least Rs220 to retailers which is Rs22 higher than the actual rate of Rs198 fixed by the DCO. The ex-mill rate was Rs198 for retailers in the district.

The flour mills authorities are reportedly selling the flour bags on unauthorized inflated rates, but they are issuing receipts to buyers of Rs198. Owing to this malpractice, the retailers are avoiding to purchase flour from the mills. While some retailers buying flour on unauthorized prices are constrained to sell it on the inflated rates.