High costs of sacrificial animals spark concerns among middle and low-income families in Pakistan’s cultural capital.
As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, cattle markets in Lahore are bustling with activity, but many buyers are leaving disappointed and anxious due to significantly inflated prices of sacrificial animals.
Hundreds of thousands of goats, cows, and bulls are on display across major markets in the city, yet traders report prices have risen sharply compared to last year, driven by increased demand, higher feed costs, and supply chain disruptions.
Many families, particularly from middle and lower-income groups, expressed frustration as the cost of even average-sized animals has climbed beyond their reach. A healthy cow that was available for PKR 250,000-300,000 last year is now being quoted at PKR 400,000 or more in several markets.
Eid Buyers Struggle as Rising Costs Hit Cattle Markets:
Buyers interviewed at crowded cattle markets complained that rising inflation and stagnant incomes have made fulfilling the religious obligation of Qurbani increasingly difficult.
“I came with my savings to buy a goat, but even small animals are expensive this year,” said one Lahore resident. “How are ordinary people supposed to manage?”
Animal traders, on the other hand, cite multiple factors including expensive fodder, transportation costs, and the overall economic situation in the country for the price surge. Some sellers also blame last-minute bulk buying by affluent customers for driving up rates.
Local authorities have set up monitoring teams to prevent price gouging, but enforcement remains challenging in the sprawling, chaotic markets.
Eid Cattle Prices Surge in Lahore:
The spike in cattle prices comes as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other officials have directed strict administrative and security measures for the upcoming Eid. Special arrangements have been made for cattle markets, including veterinary checks and security deployments.
Despite the high prices, markets remain packed with buyers hoping for last-minute bargains as Eid draws closer. Many are opting for collective sacrifices (sharing one large animal among several families) to manage costs.
Economists warn that sustained high prices for sacrificial animals could affect consumer spending patterns and reflect broader inflationary pressures affecting essential commodities across Pakistan.