Fresh currency notes for Eid ul Fitr have started appearing in markets across Pakistan, but many citizens are being forced to pay extra as traders sell them at inflated prices.
Despite clear instructions from the State Bank of Pakistan, reports indicate that shopkeepers and street vendors in multiple cities are openly selling new notes in the black market.
💸 How Much Extra People Are Paying
According to market sources:
- Rs10 notes worth Rs1,000 are being sold for Rs1,500–1,600
- Old Rs10 notes (Rs1,000) priced at Rs1,300–1,400
- Rs20 notes bundle (Rs2,000) selling above Rs2,500
- Rs50 notes (20 pieces) costing around Rs1,300–1,400
- Rs100 notes (10 pieces) being sold for Rs1,400–1,500
This means buyers are paying hundreds of rupees extra just to get fresh notes for Eid.
⚠️ SBP Issues Warning to Public
The State Bank has advised citizens to avoid buying currency from unauthorized sellers and only obtain fresh notes through:
- Bank branches
- ATMs
- Official distribution channels
Officials warned that purchasing notes from black markets not only increases costs but may also lead to legal consequences.
📢 What Authorities Are Planning
The central bank is continuing to distribute billions of rupees in fresh currency across the country and may deploy monitoring teams to ensure fair access.
Citizens can also contact SBP through:
- Helpline: +92-21-111-727-273
- Email: info@sbp.org.pk
