Tomatoes, chicken, flour, eggs and other essential food items became more expensive in July, pushing up household expenses as Pakistan’s inflation continued to rise.
Official data showed tomato prices more than doubled during the month, while the cost of chicken, vegetables, flour and eggs also recorded sharp increases, adding to the financial burden on consumers.
Pakistan’s inflation rose by 1.2% month-on-month and 5.1% year-on-year during the first month (July 2026) of fiscal year 2026-27, according to the latest report by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The PBS report said prices of eggs, broiler chicken, and vegetables also increased by 14% to 22%, while tea became more than 3.5% more expensive. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, rose by 7% to 8.6%.
According to the report, annual inflation in July 2026 stood at 8.7% in urban areas and 9.9% in rural areas. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, was recorded at 8.6% year-on-year, reflecting a 7% increase.
Tomato prices recorded the sharpest increase, soaring 116% in July. Flour prices rose by 6.75%, while wheat became 7.42% more expensive.
The price of live broiler chicken increased by 19%, onions by 20%, and vegetables by 22%. Egg prices climbed 14.3%.
The report also noted price increases in bakery items, rice, jaggery, powdered milk, and fresh milk. Medicines became 2% more expensive, while housing services rose by 3.16%. House rents increased by 1.48% during July, and spending on housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuels climbed by 7.14%.
On an annual basis, food prices increased by 10.64%, while prices of perishable food items rose by 5.8%. Transport costs climbed 15%, clothing and footwear 9.18%, education 9%, and healthcare services 7.8%.
