Coal Crisis Threatens Pakistan's Eid al-Adha BBQ Tradition

Rising Coal Prices Cast Shadow Over Eid al-Adha Barbecues in Pakistan Islamabad, Pakistan – The aroma of barbeque, a cherished tradition during Eid al-Adha, is threatened this year by a sharp increase in coal prices. Across Pakistan, the cost of charcoal, essential for outdoor cooking, has skyrocketed, impacting both businesses and consumers. "The price of wood has gone up dramatically," explains Muhammad Khan, a coal seller interviewed in the video. "It used to cost 35,000-40,000 rupees to transport a load. Now, it's 80,000-90,000 rupees, and we can't even carry as much because of weight restrictions on the roads." Khan's concerns reflect a wider problem. The increased cost of wood, coupled with transportation challenges, is driving up the price of charcoal. This is putting a strain on barbeque businesses, many of which are small operations struggling to stay afloat. The high demand for barbeque during Eid al-Adha only exacerbates the issue. Despite the challenges, the spirit of Eid remains strong. Many families are still planning their celebrations, but the rising coal prices serve as a reminder of the economic difficulties facing many Pakistanis.