So last Thursday me and wife was staring at remote like idiots cause batteries died again. And car key fob also went kaput same day - what rotten luck! Figured time to stop buying overpriced Duracells at corner shop and actually hunt proper deals.

Step 1: Google Fury

Grabbed my cheap phone and typed "cheap dry cells Pakistan" like crazy. First page was all these fancy online stores claiming BIG DISCOUNT. Clicked Daraz first - saw Energizer AA pack for 400 rupees. But then tiny letters say "plus 130 delivery". Felt cheated already.

Step 2: Local Market Recon

Next morning took bus to Lahore Hafeez Center electronics market. Asked first three dukaan:

• Shop 1: Panda brand AAA 4-pack @ 320 rupees - but uncle refused warranty
• Shop 2: Panasonic AA 8-pack @ 680 - dude claimed "Japanese quality"
• Shop 3: Local brand Voltic @ 200 for 4 AA - smelled like scam

Wasted 2 hours just walking sticky floors dodging cable sellers. Sweat soaking my shirt - Karachi heat ain't no joke!

Step 3: Smartphone Showdown

Sat on plastic stool drinking cold Rooh Afza and compared prices properly:

• Energizer Max AA 8-pack: Daraz 650 vs. market 620
• Amazon Basics AAA 16-pack: Imported @ 980 vs. local version @ 820
• No-name brand bulk buy: 50 AA batteries for 1500 - felt risky

Finally yelled at shopkeeper when he tried sneaky tax on top. Threatened to walk away - boom! Got Panasonic for 590 cash.

Today's Verdict

Market shops still beat online IF you haggle hard and check expiry dates like detective. Saw March 2027 batches hidden behind old stock! Online deals? Mostly fake when you add shipping and waiting 5 days for dead batteries. Best price found: Tango brand AA 12-pack @ 500 rupees near Empress Market after 15 mins bargaining. Still need nap after this madness!