Room coolers in high demand as temperatures soar

Citizens lament sellers preparing low-quality machines

MULTAN: As the summer season is just round-the-corner, the demand for locally made water coolers has increased dramatically.

The process of making room coolers could be witnessed in different markets of the city. Similarly, other electrical appliances, including air-conditioners and coolers were also being repaired in different markets, including Multan Cantt, Hussain Agahi, Saddu Hassam Chowk, Aziz Hotel Chowk, Dera Adda, Gulshan Market, Bahadarpur Bypass, Chowk Kumharanwala, Mumtazabad, Piran Ghaib Bazaar and some other areas.

A shopkeeper Muhammad Akram said, “This year, the prices of water coolers range from Rs6,500 to Rs20,000, depending upon its size and quality of iron sheet.” He added, “I prepared over 100 water coolers so far and all have been sold.” He maintained that the demand for coolers would rise in the next few days.

Another shopkeeper Hamza Abid said, “As the weather will become hotter, water coolers will be sold in bulk.” He pointed out, “In my opinion, water cooler business will soar in the coming weeks.”

Meanwhile, a resident of Pul Bararan, Shehzad Hashmi, said the sellers were preparing cheaper water air coolers as low quality tin sheet was being used. “The prices of the coolers are quite high as compared to its quality,” he said.

He regretted that such coolers could not serve even two consecutive summer seasons.

However, citizens, especially shopkeepers seem more inclined towards small water air coolers as these are run by solar panels.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2017.