How to Save Money During Ramadan in Pakistan Despite Rising Prices?

Introduction

Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, prayers, and charity. However, for many families in Pakistan, it also means increased expenses due to higher food prices, rising utility bills, and additional spending on iftar, suhoor, and Eid preparations.

In recent years, inflation in Pakistan has made it increasingly difficult for households to manage their budgets. Essential food items like flour, sugar, oil, dates, and meat see a price hike, and utility costs also increase due to extended usage of electricity during Taraweeh prayers and suhoor preparations.

To help you navigate Ramadan without straining your finances, here are some smart money-saving strategies that can help you maintain a balanced budget throughout the holy month.

1. Plan Your Ramadan Budget in Advance

Creating a budget before Ramadan begins is one of the most effective ways to control spending and avoid overspending on unnecessary items.

Steps to Create a Ramadan Budget:

✅ List all expected expenses (groceries, utility bills, Zakat/charity, Eid shopping).
✅ Set spending limits for each category and avoid unnecessary purchases.
✅ Track your daily expenses using a mobile app or notebook to stay on budget.
✅ Allocate funds for emergencies (unexpected price hikes or urgent needs).

💡 Pro Tip: Use budgeting apps like “Easy Paisa” or “JazzCash” expense trackers to manage your spending efficiently.

2. Shop for Groceries in Bulk Before Ramadan

Food prices tend to increase sharply during Ramadan due to high demand. To avoid last-minute price hikes, stock up on non-perishable essentials before Ramadan starts.

Grocery Items to Buy in Advance:

📌 Flour, sugar, rice, pulses, and cooking oil
📌 Dates and dry fruits
📌 Tea, milk powder, and beverages
📌 Frozen meat, poultry, and fish
📌 Spices and condiments

💡 Pro Tip: Shop at wholesale markets or cash & carry stores like Metro, Imtiaz, and Al-Fatah for better discounts and deals.

3. Compare Prices and Buy from Affordable Stores

Instead of buying from expensive supermarkets, compare prices at different stores, including local bazaars, online grocery stores, and wholesale markets.

Best Budget-Friendly Shopping Options in Pakistan:

🛒 Online Grocery Stores: GrocerApp, Naheed.pk, Krave Mart
🛒 Wholesale Markets: Jodia Bazaar (Karachi), Akbari Mandi (Lahore)
🛒 Budget Supermarkets: Imtiaz, Chase Up, Bin Hashim

💡 Pro Tip: Many online grocery stores offer Ramadan discounts—check for promo codes before making purchases.

4. Cook at Home Instead of Ordering Expensive Iftar Deals

During Ramadan, restaurants and food chains offer tempting iftar deals, but these are often overpriced. Instead of spending thousands on takeout, cook simple and healthy meals at home.

How to Save Money on Meals During Ramadan:

🍽️ Prepare homemade pakoras, samosas, and fruit chaat instead of buying from bakeries.
🍽️ Cook in larger batches and freeze portions to reduce daily cooking costs.
🍽️ Avoid soft drinks—make homemade lemonades, lassi, or Rooh Afza instead.

💡 Pro Tip: Use apps like “Cookpad Pakistan” for budget-friendly meal recipes.

5. Use Energy-Efficient Practices to Reduce Utility Bills

Electricity and gas bills increase during Ramadan due to late-night cooking, extended prayer times, and frequent use of cooling appliances. To cut costs, adopt energy-saving habits:

🔋 Use LED bulbs instead of traditional lights.
🔋 Turn off extra fans and ACs during iftar and suhoor.
🔋 Cook meals in one go to minimize gas consumption.
🔋 Avoid using electric heaters for water heating—switch to geyser timers.

💡 Pro Tip: Check your electricity bill through KE, LESCO, or FESCO online portals to monitor consumption.

6. Set a Limit for Eid Shopping

Eid shopping can quickly drain your budget if not planned wisely. To avoid overspending, set a fixed amount and stick to it.

How to Save on Eid Shopping:

🎁 Buy clothes before Ramadan when prices are lower.
🎁 Take advantage of Ramadan sales at online stores like Daraz, Gul Ahmed, and J.
🎁 Reuse last year’s accessories and shoes instead of buying new ones.

💡 Pro Tip: Join Facebook groups like “Budget Shopping Pakistan” to find discounted Eid deals.

7. Manage Your Zakat and Charity Smartly

Ramadan is a month of giving and generosity, but it’s important to manage Zakat and donations wisely.

Smart Ways to Give Charity Without Overspending:

🕌 Donate to verified organizations (Edhi, Saylani, Akhuwat) to ensure your money is well spent.
🕌 Give Zakat in kind (food, clothes) instead of cash.
🕌 Use digital donation platforms for secure and easy transactions.

💡 Pro Tip: Check Pakistan’s official Zakat Nisab before making donations.

8. Avoid Impulse Buying & Stick to Essentials

During Ramadan, malls and online stores push aggressive sales tactics to encourage spending. To avoid unnecessary expenses:

🚫 Make a shopping list and stick to it.
🚫 Unsubscribe from marketing emails to resist impulsive buying.
🚫 Delay non-essential purchases until after Ramadan.

💡 Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “Do I really need this, or is it just a seasonal sale temptation?”

9. Take Advantage of Ramadan Discount Offers

Many banks and retailers offer special Ramadan discounts on grocery shopping, fuel, and bill payments.

Best Ways to Use Ramadan Discounts:

💳 Use credit/debit card Ramadan deals (HBL, Meezan Bank, UBL).
💳 Buy discounted grocery bundles from Metro, Carrefour, and Imtiaz.
💳 Look for “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” deals on iftar items and clothing.

💡 Pro Tip: Follow social media pages of banks and supermarkets to stay updated on flash sales.

Final Thoughts: Smart Financial Planning for a Stress-Free Ramadan

By following these money-saving strategies, you can enjoy Ramadan without financial stress and still celebrate Eid with joy. The key is early budgeting, smart shopping, and reducing unnecessary expenses.

For more tips on financial planning, forex updates, and daily economic news, visit www.dailyforex.pk. Stay updated with the latest financial insights!

Hamza Shah