MULTAN   –  As a harsh cold wave grips South Punjab, low-income families in Multan have found relief not in expensive heaters or luxury dry fruits, but in a simple, affordable winter staple, peanuts. Known locally as ‘moong phali’, peanuts have become the most accessible dry fruit for thousands of poor households struggling with rising inflation. While almonds, pistachios, and walnuts remain beyond the reach of daily wage earners, peanuts continue to offer warmth, nutrition, and dignity at a price ordinary families can afford.

Across Multan’s busy markets, Hussain Agahi Bazaar, Chowk Ghanta Ghar, Bohar Gate, and Mumtazabad, peanut vendors are witnessing an exceptional surge in sales. Street seller Habib, resident of Nawabpur, said while talking to APP, since temperatures dropped, demand has doubled, particularly among laborers, rickshaw drivers, students, and domestic workers. “Peanuts are the only dry fruit poor people can buy without hesitation,” said another vendor near the old city. “Even a small amount brings comfort home.” Unlike other winter items that have become symbols of privilege, peanuts have earned the title of the people’s dry fruit. For many low-income families, they have replaced costly snacks and sweets, becoming an evening companion with tea.

Construction workers and laborers rely on peanuts for instant energy during long working hours in cold weather. Parents prefer them for children due to their affordability and nutritional value. Health experts Dr Fakhar , Dr Waqas Malik that peanuts were rich in protein, healthy fats, and calories, making them ideal for winter consumption, especially for people engaged in physical labor. Their warming effect and filling nature explain why peanuts outsell all other dry fruits during cold spells. Multan’s peanut market also reflects diversity in taste and pricing. Varieties from Chakwal, Attock, Parachanar and Bahawalnagar dominate the stalls, each carrying its own reputation and price. Parachanar and Chakwal peanuts, known for their bold size and superior taste, are slightly more expensive and attract quality-conscious buyers. Local varieties, cheaper and readily available, remain the first choice for low-income families. Interestingly, only shops offering fresh roasting and proper quality control experience heavy crowds. Even poor buyers prefer trusted vendors, choosing smaller quantities rather than compromising on taste. “People are careful with every rupee,” said a trader at Hussain Agahi. “Quality peanuts sell fast, regardless of price difference.”  Beyond economics, peanuts have revived a sense of shared winter culture in Multan. Families sit together around small heaters, peeling peanuts and sharing stories. On street corners, laborers gather around vendors, warming their hands with paper cones filled with roasted peanuts. In these moments, peanuts become more than food—they become a symbol of collective resilience. As inflation continues to test household budgets, peanuts stand out as one of the few winter comforts still within reach of the poor.