Food Prices Surge in July as Tomatoes, Flour, Chicken, and Eggs Become More Expensive

Islamabad: Inflation in Pakistan continued to rise during July 2026, the first month of the 2026–27 fiscal year, with food prices recording sharp increases, according to the latest report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The report showed that inflation increased by 1.2% on a monthly basis and 5.1% year-on-year. Tomato prices recorded the steepest rise, soaring by 116% during the month.

According to the PBS, prices of eggs, live broiler chicken, and vegetables also increased significantly, ranging between 14% and 22%, while the cost of tea rose by more than 3.5%. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, climbed by 7% to reach 8.6% annually.

Inflation in urban areas stood at 8.7%, while rural inflation was higher at 9.9%. The report also noted that annual core inflation reached 8.6%.

Among essential commodities, flour became 6.75% more expensive, while wheat prices increased by 7.42%. Prices of live broiler chicken rose by 19%, onions by 20%, vegetables by 22%, and eggs by 14.3%.

The report further stated that bakery products, rice, jaggery, powdered milk, and fresh milk also registered price increases. Meanwhile, medicine prices rose by 2%, housing services by 3.16%, and house rents by 1.48%. Expenses related to housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel increased by 7.14%.

On an annual basis, food prices increased by 10.64%, while the prices of perishable food items rose by 5.8%. Other sectors also experienced inflation, with transport costs rising by 15%, clothing and footwear by 9.18%, education by 9%, and healthcare services by 7.8%, according to the Bureau of Statistics.