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–Pakistan’s weekly inflation eased slightly by 0.45%, but annual inflation climbed to 11.94% as food staples and energy prices continued to place heavy pressure on household budgets
Aftab Maken
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s inflationary pressures remained elevated despite a slight weekly decline in prices, with the latest Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) showing that soaring food and energy costs continue to strain household budgets across the country.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the SPI for the week ending July 9, 2026, declined by 0.45% compared to the previous week. However, the annual inflation rate stood at 11.94%, reflecting sustained price increases in essential commodities and utilities over the past year.
The latest data showed some of the steepest year-on-year increases in basic food items. Tomato prices surged by 129.01%, while onions became 76.34% more expensive. Wheat flour prices rose by 71.22%, further increasing the financial burden on households already grappling with rising living costs.
Utility charges also recorded significant increases. Electricity tariffs climbed 49.14% over the past year, while gas charges increased 29.85%. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices were up 25.51%, adding further pressure on domestic consumers and small businesses dependent on alternative fuel sources.
Meat prices also continued their upward trend, with mutton becoming 16.36% more expensive and beef prices rising 13.56% compared to the same period last year.
The PBS report showed that lower-income households remained the worst affected by inflation. The poorest income group recorded annual inflation of 12.53%, exceeding the national average and highlighting the disproportionate impact of rising prices on vulnerable segments of society.
On a weekly basis, some commodities offered temporary relief. Tomato prices declined by 23.30%, LPG prices fell 15.12%, while certain pulses also became cheaper due to seasonal market adjustments.
However, these declines were partly offset by fresh increases in other essential items. Potato prices rose 3.94%, chicken became 3.70% more expensive, onion prices increased 3.54%, and wheat flour registered a weekly rise of 1.61%.
The PBS monitored a basket of 51 essential commodities, of which 22 items recorded price increases, 8 items became cheaper, while the remaining commodities showed no significant change during the week.
Economists say the data indicates that although short-term price fluctuations continue due to seasonal factors and supply conditions, the broader inflation trend remains firmly upward. Persistently high food inflation, coupled with rising electricity and gas tariffs, continues to erode consumers’ purchasing power and poses challenges for economic recovery.
Analysts warned that sustained double-digit inflation could further reduce household spending, weaken consumer confidence and increase financial hardship unless effective policy measures are introduced to stabilize food supplies, improve market efficiency and contain rising energy costs.
The latest SPI figures are expected to intensify pressure on policymakers to implement stronger price-control measures while ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to help ease the burden on consumers.
