On September 5, 2025, Pakistan’s Sensitive Price Index (SPI) inflation rose 5.07% year-on-year for the week ending September 4, fueled by sharp increases in perishable food prices, according to official data. The SPI, which tracks 51 essential items across 50 markets in 17 cities, increased by 1.29% week-on-week, marking its seventh straight week of gains.
Key drivers included tomatoes, retailing at up to Rs300 per kg in Islamabad, sugar at Rs195–200 per kg, and rising prices for onions, potatoes, rice, chicken, LPG, and wheat flour.
Weekly and Annual Price Changes
Weekly Price Increases:
- Tomatoes surged 46.03%.
- Wheat flour rose 25.41%.
- Onions increased 8.57%.
- Other items, such as rice (2.62%), garlic (2.04%), and potatoes (1.38%), also saw increases.
Weekly Price Decreases:
- Bananas fell 3.86%.
- Diesel dropped 0.91%.
- Sugar and mustard oil slightly declined by 0.13% and 0.10%.
Year-on-Year Changes:
- Tomatoes soared 83.45%.
- Wheat flour jumped 30.27%.
- Sugar rose 27.43%.
- Onions dropped 47%, and garlic fell 25.50%.
Of the 51 items, 23 saw price increases, four decreased, and 24 remained stable. The SPI had eased to 24.4% in August 2024 but surged past 40% by November 2023, hitting a record 48.35% in May 2023. Despite a high base from last year, the recent spike in perishables like tomatoes and onions has reversed earlier stability, putting pressure on households.
Read: Pakistan Weekly Inflation Rises 0.31%, Business Confidence Hits 4-Year High
Rising food prices are straining Pakistan’s economy, impacting daily life for many. The ongoing SPI inflation trend signals challenges for policymakers.
