Sacrificial animal prices soar by 50-70% ahead of Eidul Adha, leaving buyers frustrated

As Eidul Adha approaches, the sale of sacrificial animals has surged across major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, but skyrocketing prices have left many buyers frustrated, with rates rising by 50 to 70% compared to last year according to a report by The Express Tribune.

Last year, a smaller heifer could be purchased for under Rs100,000, but now even a low-weight one is priced at Rs200,000 or more.

Buyers are increasingly voicing concerns about the lack of official regulation in animal pricing, which has led traders to set prices arbitrarily, forcing consumers to haggle for a better deal.

Traders cite several factors for the price hike, including increased costs for animal feed, transportation, and other logistics. 

Animals are primarily sourced from larger markets in Punjab and Sindh, with medium-sized traders incurring additional costs for transportation to metropolitans like Karachi and Lahore, including fuel, taxes, and maintenance at the local markets, which include expenses for lighting and security. 

Once all these costs are accounted for, traders add their margin, which can range from Rs15,000 to Rs50,000 for smaller animals and up to Rs200,000 for larger ones.

However, the surge in prices has left many middle-income families unable to afford them. Heifers that were priced between Rs150,000 and Rs200,000 last year are now being sold for Rs200,000 to Rs300,000, with premium animals fetching prices ranging from Rs400,000 to Rs1 million. 

The most privelleged buyers are purchasing high-end animals priced between Rs1.2 million and Rs2 million.

The goat market has seen similar price increases. Medium-weight goats, which were previously sold for Rs30,000 to Rs35,000, are now priced between Rs50,000 and Rs60,000. Some goats are reaching up to Rs300,000 depending on their breed and build.

Rams and sheep are also experiencing a price surge, with prices ranging from Rs40,000 to Rs200,000 or more, influenced by factors like weight and appearance. 

Camel prices have also increased, with traders noting a growing interest in camel sacrifices over the past two years. Camels brought in from different parts of Sindh are now priced at Rs300,000 and above.