KARACHI: Pakistan’s ongoing inflation crisis has worsened as prices of essential food items spiral out of control, putting basic groceries beyond the reach of millions.
After sugar surged past Rs200 per kg and tomatoes skyrocketed from Rs50 to over Rs500, onions have now joined the list of unaffordable essentials. In Karachi, onion prices have breached Rs200 per kg, with similar spikes reported in Lahore, Peshawar, and Multan.
The surge highlights the failure of the government’s price control mechanisms as food inflation grips households across the country. In Islamabad, tomatoes now sell at Rs380 per kg, followed by Rs360 in Rawalpindi, Rs350 in Faisalabad, and Rs340 in Lahore.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) rose 0.56% for the week ending October 2, 2025, reaching 332.17 points. On a yearly basis, inflation increased by 4.07%, further squeezing low-income families.
For the lowest income group — earning up to Rs17,732 per month — inflation jumped 0.82%, showing how hard the crisis is hitting ordinary citizens.
💬 GRY News Insight:
As food prices skyrocket, Pakistan’s cost-of-living crisis shows no signs of slowing. Economists urge immediate market regulation and import stabilization to control runaway inflation.
🔗 Stay updated with economic developments at GRY Business Desk.
