Islamabad: As inflationary pressures continue to mount, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has released its report for July 2025, revealing a sharp month-on-month surge in prices of essential utilities and consumer items. The latest data paints a worrying picture for households already struggling to make ends meet under the weight of rising living costs.
According to the PBS report, electricity prices increased by a significant 14.18%, while gas tariffs rose by a staggering 22.91% in just one month. These hikes have directly impacted domestic budgets and business operations alike. The price of sugar also climbed by 6.11%, which in turn led to a 7.96% increase in the cost of sweets and confectionery.
| Category | Price Rise (%) |
|---|---|
| Electricity | 14.18% |
| Gas | 22.91% |
| Sugar | 6.11% |
| Sweets & Confectionery | 7.96% |
| Transport | 3.75% |
| House Rent | 1.45% |
| Medicines & Healthcare | 0.16% |
| Plastic Products | 3.74% |
The rise in transport costs by 3.75% further strained consumers who rely on public or private travel. Additionally, house rent recorded a 1.45% jump, reflecting broader inflationary trends in the housing sector. Medical costs weren’t spared either, with prices of medicines, medical tests, and clinical services seeing a modest 0.16% uptick. Meanwhile, plastic goods, used widely in packaging and household products, rose by 3.74%.
Economic experts suggest that the combined impact of rising fuel prices, adjustments in utility tariffs, and import-linked costs have pushed inflation higher than anticipated. The government had forecast moderate inflation, but the July figures show that core expenses continue to soar, with no immediate relief in sight.
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