Eid buying frenzy fizzles in Lahore cattle markets as prices hit record highs

Cattle markets across Lahore saw heavy weekend footfall ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, but the initial rush quickly weakened as sharply rising prices of sacrificial animals and intense heat conditions discouraged buying activity.

The provincial capital’s livestock trade is being conducted through five temporary sale points and the Shahpur Kanjran model cattle market, operated by the Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company (PCMMDC), including sites at Saggian, Wagah Sports Complex, Burki Road, LDA City and Raiwind.

Despite large numbers of visitors, a significant share of buyers returned without making purchases, citing unaffordable pricing levels. Many had postponed buying in expectation of a seasonal price drop, but market trends showed no meaningful easing.

Prices of sacrificial animals have increased sharply compared to last year across all categories.

Small goats, previously sold in the Rs40,000–55,000 range, are now priced between Rs60,000 and Rs100,000. Medium-sized goats and sheep, earlier around Rs80,000, are now averaging about Rs150,000, with better-looking animals commanding an additional premium of up to Rs50,000.

Higher-grade goats are being quoted from Rs250,000 onwards, placing them in a premium category for affluent buyers.

Cattle prices have also moved upward. Average cows are now selling between Rs150,000 and Rs250,000, compared to Rs110,000–180,000 last year, while well-fed bulls are priced between Rs300,000 and Rs600,000 depending on breed, weight and appearance.

Camels are being sold at around Rs500,000 on average, while exceptionally high-quality bulls are reportedly reaching Rs8 million to Rs10 million.

Traders attributed the price escalation to increased input costs, particularly rising fodder expenses, fuel prices and transportation charges.

Sellers from various parts of Punjab said they were unable to reduce prices despite weaker demand, pointing to sustained inflationary pressure in livestock rearing and logistics.

A trader from southern Punjab, Sameer, said although thousands of animals were available in markets, high feed costs and transport expenses had pushed overall pricing upward. Another trader, Shakeel from northern Punjab, said rising petrol prices had significantly increased the cost of moving livestock to urban markets.

Buyers expressed frustration over what they described as inflated and unaffordable rates, with several saying they had visited multiple markets over several days without success in purchasing animals.

Some also highlighted additional burdens, including high transport charges from markets to city areas, with one buyer reporting spending over Rs5,000 to move purchased livestock from Shahpur Kanjran to central Lahore.

Market activity is expected to remain volatile in the final days before Eid, with participants anticipating possible last-minute price adjustments, although current trends indicate sustained pressure on both buyers and sellers.