Pakistan households face rising fuel and food costs

Rising fuel, food, and transport costs are placing significant financial strain on households across Pakistan. During the first four months of the 2026-27 fiscal year, petrol prices increased by 26.11%, rising from Rs299.50 on July 1 to Rs377.71 per litre on October 24. High-speed diesel saw a 26.39% increase, climbing from Rs311.47 to Rs393.66 per litre over the same period.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics’ Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), the price index for 51 essential commodities rose approximately 5.81% between July 2 and October 22. This inflation has impacted various sectors, including passenger transport, freight operations, and the movement of agricultural goods.

Food prices have surged significantly, with chicken reaching as much as Rs700 per kilogram and beef priced between Rs1,200 and Rs1,500 per kilogram in Karachi. Additionally, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices rose by Rs150 per kilogram, leading tandoor operators to warn of potential increases in the price of roti. These rising costs are particularly affecting salaried workers, daily-wage earners, pensioners, and low-income families.