Islamabad, October 24, 2025: Pakistan’s weekly inflation edged up by 0.22 percent, pushing the annual rate to 5.03 percent, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday.
Economists attributed the uptick to rising food and energy prices, which continue to strain household budgets across the country.
During the week under review, prices of 20 essential commodities increased, six items became cheaper, while 25 items remained stable — reflecting a mixed but largely inflationary trend.
Among food items, onions recorded the steepest rise of 5.62 percent, followed by energy savers (2.51pc), eggs (2.38pc), and sugar (2.04pc). Prices of cooking oil, garlic, and beef also climbed, further squeezing household spending.
The report noted that tomato prices surged by 92 paisa per kilogram, averaging Rs 329.45, with rates touching Rs 400 per kg in some markets. The PBS attributed the spike to supply shortages and strong demand in urban centers.
On the other hand, a few commodities provided minor relief. Chicken prices dropped 2.51 percent, rice declined 1.19 percent, while lentils, flour, and LPG registered slight decreases. However, analysts said these reductions were insufficient to offset broader inflationary pressures, especially for low- and middle-income households.
