Rising temperatures and inflation have triggered a shocking cooler price surge just as summer begins.

Consumers hoping for affordable relief from the scorching heat face bad news. A small room cooler that cost Rs. 8,000 three years ago now sells for up to Rs. 15,000. Therefore, households must either pay significantly more or swelter through the season without proper cooling.

This cooler price surge affects nearly every product linked to summer comfort. Traders report price increases of approximately 40 percent compared to last year. Additionally, low-quality and counterfeit khus grass has entered the market as desperate buyers look for cheaper alternatives. Meanwhile, replacing khus in a small cooler now costs between Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 2,700. For a large Lahori cooler, the same service runs from Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 3,800. Furthermore, jumbo-sized coolers require up to Rs. 5,000 for a single khus replacement.

Cooler motors have also become far more expensive. A durable motor now sells for roughly Rs. 4,000. However, motors designed for solar-powered and battery-operated coolers cost up to Rs. 2,000. Water pumps meanwhile fall within the Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 range. Consequently, even repairing an old unit has become a serious financial decision.

The price jumps do not stop at coolers. Air-conditioner maintenance services have also seen steep hikes. AC cleaning now costs around Rs. 3,500. Gas refilling charges have climbed from about Rs. 4,000 to as much as Rs. 10,000. Still, technicians have become harder to reach. Due to increased workload, they now take two to three days just to respond to service requests.

Some retailers now offer coolers on 12-month installment plans. Customers pay an additional cost of roughly Rs. 5,000 for this flexibility. Premium branded models with newer designs currently sit between Rs. 35,000 and Rs. 40,000. Finally, temporary stalls selling khus grass have appeared across markets and roadsides. Nevertheless, buyers should remain cautious. Traders warn that not all products on display meet quality standards.

The ongoing cooler price surge shows no signs of reversing before peak summer arrives. Therefore, anyone needing a new unit or repairs should act quickly before prices climb even further.