RAWALPINDI: The prices of traditional room coolers, khus grass filling, and cooler motors have seen a sharp increase, while temporary khus filling stalls have appeared across markets and roadsides in the city. Due to inflation, poor-quality khus has also entered the market, and the cost of the cooling grass itself has risen significantly.
Khus Filling Costs
The cost of filling khus in all three panels of a small cooler has risen to between Rs2,500 and Rs2,700. Filling a large 'Lahori' cooler now costs between Rs3,500 and Rs3,800, while filling a jumbo-sized cooler has reached up to Rs5,000. Traders report that prices have increased by around 40 percent this year.
Motor and Pump Prices
A durable room cooler motor is now being sold for around Rs4,000. Motors for solar system and battery-operated coolers are available for up to Rs2,000. Water pumps now cost between Rs1,000 and Rs2,000.
Cooler Price Hike
Three years ago, a small traditional room cooler cost around Rs8,000, but is now being sold for Rs14,000 to Rs15,000. Medium-sized coolers that previously sold for Rs11,000 are now priced at Rs18,000, while large coolers have increased from Rs15,000 to Rs23,000. Traders said coolers are also being sold on 12-month installment plans with an additional cost of around Rs5,000. Meanwhile, room coolers of major brands with new designs are being sold for Rs35,000 to Rs40,000.
Air Conditioner Services
Demand for air-conditioner-related labor has also increased sharply. Cleaning services for ACs at homes and offices now cost around Rs3,500, while gas refilling charges have increased from Rs4,000 to Rs10,000. Due to increased workload, mechanics are reportedly attending service requests after delays of two to three days.
Trader's Perspective
Traditional room cooler manufacturer and dealer Haji Ibrahim said prices of all cooler-related materials had increased by up to 500 percent. He claimed counterfeit and substandard khus was also being sold in the market, often offered at lower prices to customers bargaining over rates. He said the low-quality khus tears apart within a month after exposure to water during cooler operation. Haji Ibrahim added that traditional room coolers are around 70 percent cheaper than air-conditioners, provide cooling comparable to ACs, and consume less electricity.
