LAHORE: Fresh currency notes issued for Eid-ul-Fitr are being sold at inflated prices in markets across Pakistan, despite official assurances of fair distribution through banks and authorised channels.
Reports from multiple market sources confirmed that shopkeepers and street vendors in several major cities are openly selling bundles of fresh currency notes at rates higher than their face value.
Prices exceed face value
A bundle of Rs. 10 notes worth Rs. 1,000 is being sold between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 1,600, with sellers charging an additional premium of Rs. 500 to Rs. 600.
Similarly, older Rs. 10 notes with a face value of Rs. 1,000 are being sold for Rs. 1,300 to Rs. 1,400 in various local markets.
Bundles of Rs. 20 notes worth Rs. 2,000 are also being sold above Rs. 2,500, reflecting widespread price inflation in the informal market for currency notes.
Vendors are also selling twenty Rs. 50 notes for Rs. 1,300 to Rs. 1,400, while ten new Rs. 100 notes are priced between Rs. 1,400 and Rs. 1,500.
Official response and warnings
SBP has advised citizens to avoid purchasing fresh currency notes from unauthorised sellers and instead obtain them through official bank branches or automated teller machines.
The central bank is continuing nationwide distribution of billions of rupees in fresh currency notes and may deploy monitoring teams to ensure transparent and fair access for the public.
Officials warned that purchasing notes from black-market vendors increases costs for citizens and violates banking regulations, adding that legal action could be taken against those involved.
The central bank has also provided a helpline for citizens seeking guidance:[email protected] or +92-21-111-727-273, with official updates available at www.sbp.org.pk.
Expected Date of Eid-ul-Fitr
Meanwhile, the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet on March 19 at the Ministry of Religious Affairs to collect testimonies regarding the sighting of the Shawwal moon nationwide.
However, according to SUPARCO and meteorological experts, chances of sighting the moon on March 19 are considered very low across most parts of the country this year.
Experts therefore believe that the first day of Shawwal and Eid-ul-Fitr will most likely fall on Saturday, March 21, 2026 following moon sighting assessments by experts this year.
