Markets across the provincial capital are experiencing a surge of buyers as residents prepare for Eidul Azha, flocking to shops for knife and cleaver sharpening, purchasing new cutting tools, and stocking up on essential cooking equipment.

The seasonal rush has also driven prices upward, with traders attributing the increase to heightened demand ahead of the festival.

In the old city areas, shops specialising in knife sharpening and blade finishing are crowded with customers, including housewives and professional butchers, who are preparing their tools in advance for slaughter and meat preparation during the three-day Eid period.

Many residents are also buying new knives and cleavers, while others are getting their existing tools sharpened using traditional stone grinding methods and modern machines.

Alongside this, demand for coal and gas-powered stoves used for cooking meat has also increased, with sales continuing at a steady pace across local markets.

According to details, sharpener craftsmen have increased their rates ahead of Eid due to seasonal demand.

Prices of new small knives have reached around Rs900, while larger knives are being sold for up to Rs1,500.

Sharpening charges range between Rs300 and Rs600 depending on size.

Similarly, new cleavers (tokas) are being sold between Rs1,700 and Rs2,100, while sharpening and blade finishing costs for cleavers range from Rs500 to Rs700.

Coal and gas stoves used for grilling meat are also in high demand, with prices ranging from Rs250 to as high as Rs4,000 depending on size and quality.

Citizens said that inflation has made even basic Eid preparations expensive, noting that knife sharpening, which previously cost only a small amount, has now become costly.

Many added that purchasing new tools has become increasingly difficult for average households due to rising prices.

Shopkeepers, however, said the increase in prices is due to higher material costs and inflation in raw supplies, forcing them to charge more for sharpening services and cooking equipment.

Despite the price hikes, markets remain busy as families continue preparations for Eid rituals and meat processing at home.