Inflation in Pakistan has continued to rise sharply as the national rate reached 11.7 percent in May, marking the second consecutive month of double-digit increases. The latest data highlights growing pressure on households as prices rise across essential goods and services throughout the country.
According to official statistics, inflation levels remained almost the same in both urban and rural areas, with cities recording 11.7 percent and rural regions showing 11.5 percent. As a result, the cost of living has increased almost uniformly across different parts of the country, affecting a wide range of consumers.
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Transport fares recorded one of the steepest increases, rising by 37 percent compared to the previous year. In addition, housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel costs increased by 17 percent, further intensifying financial strain on families already struggling with rising monthly expenses.
Food inflation also contributed significantly to the overall rise, with prices increasing by 8 percent annually. Meanwhile, education costs went up by 8.37 percent, and health-related expenses rose by 7.4 percent, while restaurant and hotel charges also recorded a 5.7 percent increase during the same period.
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Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, reached 9.8 percent, showing that price pressures are spreading beyond volatile categories. Consequently, economists view this trend as a sign of broader economic strain affecting multiple sectors of the economy.
On a monthly basis, several essential items saw sharp increases, with footwear prices rising by 29 percent and postal services by 9 percent. Motor fuel also became 7.6 percent more expensive, while everyday commodities such as wheat flour, meat, milk, cooking oil, and bakery products continued to put pressure on household budgets.