Pakistani actress and host Fiza Ali has once again sparked a big conversation online after pointing out a painful truth that millions of Pakistani families feel every single Ramadan, grocery prices in Pakistan go up the moment the holy month begins, while Muslims living in the UK enjoy huge discounts on the same items.
And the facts back her up completely.
In Pakistan, Karachi and Lahore both witnessed sharp increases in flour and grocery prices just weeks before Ramadan 2026 began. A 20kg bag of flour climbed to Rs 2,000, a jump of Rs 200, while loose flour in Lahore surged from Rs 95 to Rs 130 per kilogram. These increases hit hardest during the month when families are cooking the most.
Meanwhile, the situation in the UK tells a completely different story. Sainsbury’s launched its 2026 Ramadan offers running until 20 March, covering discounts on rice, flour, tinned tomatoes, fresh herbs, vegetables, fruit, spices, condiments, and oils, with a spokesperson saying the supermarket wants to make the month “as joyful, accessible and affordable as possible” for Muslim customers.
Sainsbury’s slashed sunflower oil to £6.50 from £8.50 and reduced a 10kg bag of Laila Basmati Rice to £12 from £19 for loyalty card holders.
Ramadan 2026 is now considered a £1.3 billion economic opportunity for UK retailers, who compete aggressively to offer Muslim shoppers the best value during the holy month.
Fiza Ali’s observation cuts to the heart of a real and frustrating contradiction. In a country that is majority Muslim, Ramadan should bring relief to household budgets, not more pressure. Her words have reignited a debate about hoarding, price gouging, and the failure of authorities to protect ordinary Pakistani families during the most sacred month of the year.
