Pakistan’s State Bank (SBP) promised that fresh currency notes for Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 would be easy to get from banks and ATMs, and they have already sent out billions of rupees across the country.
They even opened a helpline and started monitoring teams to stop unfair selling. Yet right this week, traders in busy markets have set up stalls and handcarts and are openly selling new notes at much higher prices.
In places like Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar, Saddar and Commercial Market, plus spots in Lahore, people are charging extra on every bundle.
SBP says anyone caught will face the law and wants all notes to come only through official channels. But the black market is already active just days before Eid.
Many blame bank staff for leaking notes to agents. The central bank is watching closely, but people are still forced to pay extra because clean notes are hard to find at banks.
| Note Type | Face Value | Black Market Price | Extra Charged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rs 10 bundle | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,500–1,600 | Rs 500–600 |
| Old Rs 10 bundle | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,300–1,400 | Rs 300–400 |
| Rs 20 bundle | Rs 2,000 | Rs 2,500–2,600 | Rs 500–600 |
| 20 x Rs 50 notes | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,300–1,400 | Rs 300–400 |
| 10 x Rs 100 notes | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,400–1,500 | Rs 400–500 |