Pakistan's annual inflation rises to 9.61pc in October 2026

On a monthly basis, inflation increased by 0.81 per cent in urban areas and 1.49 per cent in rural areas, reflecting greater price pressures in rural markets. Food prices recorded a monthly increase of 2.26 per cent in October, with several essential commodities becoming significantly more expensive.

Chicken prices surged by 19.38 per cent, followed by chickpeas, which increased by 9.17 per cent. Wheat prices rose by 9.01 per cent, while flour became 7.54 per cent more expensive. Fresh vegetable prices increased by 6.55 per cent, eggs by 5.72 per cent and mash lentils by 5.54 per cent during the month.

However, some food items recorded price declines. Tomato prices fell by 31.63 per cent, while onions became 4.23 per cent cheaper. Potato prices declined by 4.04 per cent and sugar prices decreased by 2.17 per cent.

The PBS data also showed an increase in transportation costs, with inflation in the sector rising by 1.79 per cent during October. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel-related expenses increased by 0.25 per cent.

Among individual items, prices of liquid hydrocarbons rose by 8.39 per cent, while motor fuel became 3 per cent more expensive. Cotton cloth prices increased by 1.22 per cent, house rents by 0.94 per cent and medicines by 0.90 per cent.

Meanwhile, prices of miscellaneous goods and services increased by 0.71 per cent during the month. Electricity tariffs, however, recorded a decline of 3.31 per cent in October, providing some relief to consumers. The latest inflation figures indicate continued price pressures on households, particularly from essential food items, transportation and household expenses, despite declines in the prices of certain commodities.