Inflation dims tea tradition in Gujrat

LALAMUSA: On International Tea Day, while the world celebrated the cherished beverage, residents of Gujrat faced the occasion with quiet concern. In a district where tea is more than a drink-serving as a daily ritual, a social connector, and a source of comfort-soaring inflation has turned this humble staple into a luxury many struggle to afford.

Despite sweltering heat that typically curbs demand at local tea houses, tea’s significance in Gujrat’s households remains unwavering. “It doesn’t matter if it’s 40 degrees outside. We need our tea-it’s how we start our day,” said a school teacher.

Yet, with household budgets strained by rising food prices and stagnant incomes, this cherished tradition is under threat.The price of branded tea has surged to alarming levels, with a 900-gram pack now costing Rs 2,200-2,500, out of reach for many lower- and middle-income families. Loose tea, once a budget-friendly option, has also seen sharp price increases, leaving consumers with fewer affordable choices.

Tea stall owners are feeling the impact too. “The number of customers has dropped. People either share one cup between two or skip it altogether,” said Anwar, who runs a roadside tea shop on Service Road. Rising costs of milk and sugar, essential for chai, have forced vendors to reduce portion sizes or raise prices.

The economic strain is reshaping morning routines across the district. For many, breakfast has been reduced to bread and water-or skipped entirely. “We’ve already cut down on fruits, butter, and eggs. Now tea too?” lamented a retired clerk living on a fixed pension.International Tea Day, designated by the United Nations to honor tea’s cultural and economic importance, underscores the intersection of global traditions and local realities.

In Gujrat, tea remains a symbol of hospitality, but it also mirrors the harsh toll of inflation on daily life. As kettles whistle in fewer kitchens and tea cups sit empty in modest homes, the simple joy of tea is becoming a distant luxury for many.