Cold drinks, beverages to become costlier in Pakistan with 5% Chilling Tax

New prices of cold drinks, sodas, food juices and beverages are expected to rise by Rs20
An undated image. — Depositphotos
An undated image. — Depositphotos

Chilled beverages, sodas, and soft drinks fall no short of instant relievers in the summer or under a scorching sun, but the Chilling Tax, proposed 5% by the goverment for the upcoming budget FY26, is all set to send chills down the spines of Pakistanis who are keeping up with the current, unbearable heat.

With the tax in question likely to be imposed in the annual budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, it appears that Pakistani citizens will struggle to afford these much-needed drinks and beverages after the budget for FY25 ends in June.

As it stands, new prices of cold drinks, sodas, food juices and beverages will rise by up to Rs20.

It's worth noting that the expected increment in the prices of juices and drinks across Pakistan will vary depending on the brand and packaging that buyers tend to opt for.

It was also learned that butter, margarine, ice cream, and frozen products will also come under the guillotine of the 5% Chilling Tax in question.