New Wave of Inflation Grips Pakistan: Citizens’ Purchasing Power Collapses as Food Prices Soar Nationwide
**Quetta:** A fresh wave of inflation has hit Pakistan, with citizens in **Quetta and other major cities** struggling to afford essential food items as prices continue to skyrocket. According to a report by the **United News Agency (UNA)**, prices of key household commodities have risen sharply over the past year — from **October 2024 to October 2025** — severely impacting middle- and lower-income families.
The report highlights significant year-on-year price hikes in basic food items:
* **Tomatoes:** ↑127%
* **Sugar:** ↑35%
* **Wheat:** ↑23%
* **Flour:** ↑15.7%
* **Butter:** ↑30%
* **Moong lentils:** ↑20%
* **Vegetable ghee:** ↑12.5%
* **Honey:** ↑18%
While the extent of price increases varies by region due to supply-demand dynamics, transportation costs, and local availability, the overall trend shows a **steady and alarming rise in food inflation** across the country.
The **Consumer Price Index (CPI)** for October 2025 surged to **24.8%**, compared to **5.6% in September**, marking one of the sharpest monthly spikes in recent years.
Economic experts have attributed the inflationary surge to **recent floods** that damaged crops and reduced agricultural output, **disruptions in cross-border trade**, the **rising cost of imported raw materials and fuel**, **higher transport fares**, and **hoarding in local markets**.
The report noted minor decreases in a few commodities such as onions, chicken, chickpeas, gram flour, potatoes, and tea leaves, but said these declines were insufficient to offset the broader inflationary pressures.
Concerned citizens have urged the **federal and provincial governments** to **reactivate price control committees**, enhance **market inspections**, and take **strict action against hoarders and profiteers**.
Experts have warned that if current trends persist, the prices of essential food items could rise by an additional **10 to 15 percent** before the end of the year, further eroding purchasing power and worsening living conditions for ordinary Pakistanis.
