Plastic goods in Pakistan have become significantly more expensive as supply shortages and rising raw material costs continue to pressure the market. Consumers are now feeling the impact across daily-use products, from packaging materials to household items.
Supply Disruptions Push Prices Up
According to Beyond Time News, plastic prices have surged sharply due to disruptions in the global supply chain and rising costs of petroleum-based raw materials. The main reason behind this increase is the shortage of imported plastic resin, which is essential for manufacturing.
Industry experts say that geopolitical tensions have also played a major role in limiting imports and increasing uncertainty in the market.
Heavy Dependence on Imported Raw Materials
The Pakistan Plastic Manufacturers Association (PPMA) reports that the country relies heavily on imports from the Middle East for raw materials.
PPMA Chairman Syed Nabeel Hashmi explained that nearly 70% to 80% of plastic inputs come from Middle Eastern countries. As a result, any disruption in that region directly affects local production.
He added that ongoing instability has slowed down supply chains and created a shortage of raw materials across Pakistan.
Sharp Rise in Production Costs
Manufacturers say raw material prices have already increased by 40% to 50%. At the same time, finished plastic products have become 60% to 70% more expensive due to rising energy and petroleum costs.
Even if conditions improve soon, experts believe it could take six to eight months for the supply chain to stabilize.
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Prices of Key Plastic Items Double
According to market representatives, the price of a 25-kilogram bag of plastic resin has jumped from around Rs9,000 to over Rs18,000.
Similarly, 75-micron plastic shopping bags have doubled in price, rising from Rs450 to Rs900 per kilogram. Plastic sheets used in construction have also seen a sharp increase.
Everyday Items Becoming More Expensive
Plastic is a petroleum-based material, so changes in global oil and gas prices directly affect its cost. As a result, many everyday items are becoming more expensive for consumers.
These include kitchen utensils, storage containers, toys, packaging materials, water bottles, buckets, plastic furniture, and even automotive spare parts.
Rising Pressure on Household Budgets
At the same time, other essential goods like cooking oil and ghee have also increased in price. Together, these rising costs are putting extra pressure on household budgets across the country.
Industry stakeholders warn that if import conditions do not improve soon, plastic prices may stay high for an extended period.
According to Beyond Time News, stability in raw material imports will be key to bringing relief to both manufacturers and consumers in the coming months.
