A sudden and intense hailstorm that struck Islamabad and Rawalpindi earlier this week has left a trail of damage, particularly to vehicles, triggering a sharp increase in auto glass prices across local markets.
The unexpected storm pelted vehicles with large hailstones, smashing windshields, denting car roofs, and shattering side mirrors. In the aftermath, car owners rushed to auto parts shops, only to face severe shortages and soaring prices.
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According to shopkeepers in Rawalpindi, their inventories of standard windshields were wiped out within hours. Prices for replacement windshields, which typically cost Rs. 15,000, have now surged to as high as Rs. 35,000 — if stock is available at all.
Even smaller glass parts, which would usually sell for Rs. 100–200, are now priced at Rs. 1,000 in some markets due to the sudden spike in demand.
Local traders, especially in Saddar, revealed that only windshields for rare or luxury cars are still available, and even these have seen a price increase of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 in recent days.
Suppliers have also reportedly paused new orders temporarily due to overwhelming demand and strained supply chains, leaving vehicle owners in a difficult position as they scramble for repairs.
