International

Pakistan Urges Citizen To Reduce Tea Consumption

Published

3 years ago

Jun 15, 2022.

Yinka Akanbi

Pakistan is the world’s largest importer of tea, buying in more than $600m (£501m) worth last year
The plea came as Pakistan’s foreign currency reserves continue to fall rapidly – putting pressure on the government to cut high import costs…

EDITOR’S PICK

EKO HOT BLOG reports that People in Pakistan have been asked to reduce the amount of tea they drink to keep the country’s economy afloat.

Sipping fewer cups a day would cut Pakistan’s high import bills, senior minister Ahsan Iqbal said.

The country’s low foreign currency reserves – currently enough for fewer than two months of all imports – have left it in urgent need of funds.

Pakistan is the world’s largest importer of tea, buying in more than $600m (£501m) worth last year.

“I appeal to the nation to cut down the consumption of tea by one to two cups because we import tea on loan,” Mr Iqbal said, according to Pakistani media.

Business traders could also close their market stalls at 20:30 to save electricity, he suggested.

The plea came as Pakistan’s foreign currency reserves continue to fall rapidly – putting pressure on the government to cut high import costs and keep funds in the country.

The request to reduce tea drinking has gone viral on social media, with many doubting the country’s serious financial problems can be addressed by cutting out the caffeinated beverage.

FURTHER READING

Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves dropped from around $16bn (£13.4bn) in February to less than $10bn (£8.3bn) in the first week of June, barely enough to cover the cost of two months of all its imports.

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