As temperatures in Karachi exceed 35 degrees Celsius, the demand for ice has increased dramatically. Ice plant operators have responded to the spike in demand by hiking prices.
The extreme heat has prompted inhabitants to consume more ice with cool drinks and beverages, resulting in a doubling of demand. Citizens, already stressed by the heat and power shortages, voice their dissatisfaction.
They explain that they can’t make ice at home due to a lack of energy, therefore they have to buy it.
The biggest reasons for the price hike, according to ice plant operators, are a scarcity of energy and rising water costs.
They cite the difficulty of working without regular electricity and the additional cost of purchasing water as contributing causes to the price increase.
Maria Ghanchi