Rainy spell lifts sales of umbrellas, snacks and tea across port city

Karachi: Two days of uninterrupted rain have increased demand for umbrellas and raincoats across the city, while wet weather has also pushed up the sale of snacks and hot drinks in markets, offices and workplaces.

Items such as samosas, pakora, chips and tea saw strong demand during the rainy spell. Vendors placed stalls and handcarts in bazaars, while tea and refreshment breaks became more frequent in public and private offices as well as in schools and colleges.

The increase in buying activity was also reflected in prices. Samosas were being sold for Rs70 each, while chicken samosas were priced at Rs80. Pakora was available at Rs650 per kilogram and chips at Rs100 per plate. Tea was being sold at Rs100 per cup, while a half cup was priced at Rs80.

Umbrella prices also showed a broad range depending on size and quality. Small umbrellas were selling for about Rs500, while better-quality options were available at Rs750. Premium umbrellas were priced between Rs1,800 and Rs2,000.

Children’s umbrellas in different colours were being sold for Rs250 to Rs350. Larger folding umbrellas were available in the Rs400 to Rs500 range.

Demand rises with continued rainfall

The continued rainfall changed buying patterns across the city, with protective rain gear and hot food items drawing more customers. The weather also appeared to influence routines at workplaces and educational institutions, where tea and snack breaks became more common.

Across commercial areas, vendors responded by setting up temporary selling points, including stalls and handcarts, to cater to the higher demand. The same rainy conditions that increased the need for umbrellas and raincoats also contributed to stronger consumption of fried snacks and hot beverages.

The report further noted that the surge in demand contributed to higher prices for several commonly purchased items. From street food to rain protection products, consumers were paying more as the city continued to experience wet weather over the past two days.