Pakistan relies on Gulf fuel, but war-driven supply strain has raised prices and forced austerity
Passengers ride an overcrowded bus while returning to their hometowns ahead of Eidul Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramazan, in Lahore on March 19, 2026. PHOTO: AFP
Preparations for the end of Ramazan were in full swing at a beauty salon in Punjab, with customers getting haircuts, eyebrow-threading and henna tattoos.
In Multan’s markets, crowds of young and old women shopped for colourful bangles, shoes, new clothes, make-up and sweet treats.
But in Multan and elsewhere in Pakistan, the ripple effects of the US-Israeli war against Iran were being felt.
“It feels very different because inflation has risen so much due to the ongoing war. Every poor person is distressed. It is affecting them deeply,” said make-up artist Rozina Amjad.
The eve of Eidul Fitr used to be “lively”, Amjad told AFP, adding: “Now that charm is gone. It’s not like it used to be.”
Pakistan is reliant on oil and gas from the Gulf, but since war broke out last month, fuel supply pressures have seen prices rise at the pump and government austerity measures.
Rising oil prices have pushed up costs across the board, affecting purchasing power before the festival.
Suriya Muslim, a 35-year-old housewife, said she had already done her shopping and just needed to finish her beauty routine at the salon before preparing for guests at her home.
But she feared that her family might have to cut back this year on the customary visits to relatives and friends.
“Due to the war in Iran, the rise in prices has greatly affected our budget. All essential items for Eid have become very expensive,” she added.
Read More: Iran war exposes fractures in global order, says former envoy Masood Khan
“Now our car is just parked at home. Considering the budget, we can neither take the children out nor go shopping nor visit any relatives.
“It now seems that petrol will become even more expensive, and in this situation, it feels like Eid will remain limited to our home.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said this week there would be no military parades and flypasts at next Monday’s Pakistan Day public holiday because of the crisis in the Gulf.
Further east from Multan, in Lahore, the great Eid getaway had started, with trains packed and travellers cramming onto the top of colourful, painted buses.
Public transport fares have also risen, as people travel from major urban centres back to their hometowns and villages.
In Lahore, 48-year-old labourer Muhammad Ramzan said he decided against travelling to his village.
“I wanted to spend Eid with my children, but they’re asking for far more than I can afford,” he said. “Now I don’t even feel like going to my children for Eid.
“I’m thinking of just staying here and working again. I don’t have that much money in my pocket.”
