Brief
Pakistan's September inflation eases to 10.3% but energy costs surge
September inflation slipped to 10.3% from August's 11.1%, while energy‑related prices rose sharply, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Pakistan's consumer price inflation eased to 10.3% in September 2026, down from 11.1% in August, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported on October 3, citing data also referenced by The Express Tribune.
What happened
Month‑on‑month, overall consumer prices rose 1.3% in September. Urban inflation stood at 10.1% and rural inflation at 10.5%. Food inflation fell to 8.1% in cities and 7.7% in rural areas, marking a notable decline. By contrast, energy‑related inflation climbed to 11.5% in urban zones and 13.1% in rural ones. Petrol prices were 39% higher year‑on‑year, while electricity costs rose 33%.
What the reports add
The Express Tribune highlighted that the inflation figure remained above the Planning Commission’s target, underscoring continued pressure on households despite the food‑price improvement. It also noted that onion prices surged 125% year‑on‑year, wheat rose 41%, and wheat flour increased 32%.
What was said
The government told the International Monetary Fund that if global conditions stabilise and Brent crude averages $80 per barrel, inflation could average about 7.5% for the fiscal year; if oil stays near $100 per barrel through December, annual inflation might reach 8.2%.
How it came about
Earlier this month, the government announced plans to import 765,000 tonnes of wheat to ease food‑price pressures, while authorities expect price pressures to stay elevated until December before gradually easing.
Key facts
- September 2026 inflation fell to 10.3% from 11.1% in August. (news18.com)
- Energy‑related inflation rose to 11.5% in urban areas and 13.1% in rural areas. (news18.com)
- Petrol prices were 39% higher and electricity 33% higher than a year earlier. (news18.com)
- Onion prices jumped 125% year‑on‑year; wheat up 41%; wheat flour up 32%. (news18.com)
- Government expects inflation to average 7.5% if Brent stays at $80/barrel, 8.2% if near $100. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “Pakistans inflation remains in double digits as fuel, power costs bite”
