Pakistan depends on Gulf fuel, but war-induced supply strain has driven up prices and forced austerity
Passengers travel in a crowded bus as they return to their hometowns ahead of Eidul Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Lahore on March 19, 2026. PHOTO: AFP
Preparations for the end of Ramadan were in full swing at a beauty salon in Punjab, with customers getting their hair cut, eyebrows plucked and henna tattooed.
In the markets of Multan, crowds of young and old women bought colorful bracelets, shoes, new clothes, makeup and sweets.
But in Multan and elsewhere in Pakistan the effects of the US-Israeli war against Iran were being felt.
“It feels very different because inflation has increased so much due to the ongoing war. Every poor person is distressed. It is affecting them deeply,” said makeup artist Rozina Amjad.
The eve of Eidul Fitr used to be “lively”, said Amjad AFPHe adds: “Now that charm is gone. It’s not like it used to be.”
Pakistan depends on oil and gas from the Gulf, but since war broke out last month, pressures on fuel supplies have led to rising prices at the pump and government austerity measures.
Rising oil prices have raised costs across the board, affecting purchasing power ahead of 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 getting ready to receive guests at her home.
But he feared his family would have to cut back on regular visits to family and friends this year.
“Due to the war in Iran, the rise in prices has greatly affected our budget. All essential items for Eid have become very expensive,” he added.
Read more: Iran war exposes fractures in global order, says former envoy Masood Khan
“Now our car is parked at home. Given the budget, we can’t take the kids out or go shopping or visit any relatives.
“Now it looks like gas will be even more expensive and in this situation, it looks like Eid will be limited to our home.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said this week that there will be no military parades or flyovers next Monday, the public holiday for Pakistan Day, due to the crisis in the Gulf.
Further east of Multan, in Lahore, the great Eid getaway had begun, with packed trains and travelers crammed onto the roofs of colorfully painted buses.
Public transport fares have also increased as people travel from major urban centers to their home towns and cities.
In Lahore, Muhammad Ramzan, a 48-year-old worker, said he decided not to travel to his village.
“I wanted to spend Eid with my children, but they ask me for much more than I can afford,” she said. “Now I don’t even feel like going with my children for Eid.
“I’m thinking about staying here and working again. I don’t have that much money in my pocket.”
