Agri Direct correspondents report nearly 50% increase in livestock prices compared to last year while cattle markets witness unusually low buyer turnout
With only one week left until Eid ul Azha, livestock markets across Pakistan are witnessing soaring livestock prices and unusually low buyer turnout as many families struggle to afford sacrificial animals amid rising inflation.
According to reports gathered by Agri Direct correspondents from major cattle markets in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar and other cities, livestock prices have increased by nearly 50 percent compared to last year.
Traders say the sharp increase has been driven by record inflation, rising transportation expenses, expensive animal feed and historic fuel prices linked to ongoing regional tensions and instability in global oil markets.
Despite Eid approaching rapidly, correspondents report that buyer activity in many major cattle markets remains lower than expected. Several buyers speaking to Agri Direct said they are delaying purchases in hopes that prices may fall during the final days before Eid.
“We are visiting markets daily and comparing rates, but the prices are simply beyond our reach right now,” one buyer at a Lahore cattle market said.
Another buyer in Karachi said many middle income families are struggling to arrange enough money for Qurbani this year. “People are waiting and analyzing the market because they cannot afford the current prices,” he said.
Current market estimates show that small goats are being sold between Rs90,000 and Rs120,000, while medium and premium goats are reaching Rs150,000 or higher. Bull prices in several major cities are ranging from Rs250,000 to over Rs500,000 depending on size, breed and appearance.
Historical market data collected from traders suggests prices have steadily increased over the past three weeks and are unlikely to fall significantly before Eid.
| Days Before Eid | Average Goat Price | Average Bull Price |
|---|---|---|
| 20 days before Eid | Rs70,000 | Rs210,000 |
| 15 days before Eid | Rs78,000 | Rs230,000 |
| 10 days before Eid | Rs85,000 | Rs245,000 |
| Current Week | Rs95,000 | Rs275,000 |
| Expected Near Eid | Rs105,000+ | Rs310,000+ |
Market experts say that while some late night price reductions may still occur during the final one or two days before Eid, overall prices are expected to remain high because sellers themselves purchased livestock at elevated rates earlier this season.
Livestock sellers speaking to Agri Direct said they are under intense financial pressure due to hyperinflation and record fuel prices.
“Petrol prices are at historic highs because of the war situation, transportation costs have doubled and feed prices are extremely expensive,” a livestock trader in Peshawar said.
“We bought these animals at very high prices ourselves. If we sell them cheaply now, we will face heavy losses instead of profit,” another trader in Karachi added.
Due to rising livestock costs, Agri Direct correspondents have also reported a noticeable increase in collective Qurbani arrangements and online sacrificial services this year. Religious organizations, welfare groups and online Qurbani platforms are offering shared cow and camel portions as a more affordable alternative for middle income families.
Online sacrificial services are also seeing increased demand as buyers seek flexible payment options, lower transportation costs and simplified arrangements for meat distribution.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Pakistan has expanded digital payment facilities in cattle markets as part of its “Go Cashless” campaign for Eid ul Azha 2026. Banks have established QR code payment systems, mobile banking counters and digital transaction facilities in dozens of livestock markets nationwide to improve transaction security and reduce the need for carrying cash.
According to banking officials, the number of cattle markets offering digital payment services has increased significantly over the past two years.
| Year | Markets with Digital Payment Facilities |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 96 |
Veterinary officials are continuing to advise citizens to purchase only healthy animals from officially approved cattle markets and avoid rushed buying during overcrowded late night hours.
Experts recommend checking for clear eyes, active movement, healthy skin and signs of overall fitness before purchasing any animal for Qurbani.
With Eid ul Azha now just days away, livestock traders expect market activity to intensify further as buyers make final purchasing decisions amid one of the most expensive Eid cattle seasons in recent years.
