ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported on Monday that Pakistan’s headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose to 11.7% year-on-year in May 2026, accelerating from 10.9% in April and sharply higher than 3.5% recorded in the same month last year. The data signals a continued rise in price pressures across the economy.
Every month, inflation increased by 0.5% in May. Although this marked a slowdown from April’s 2.5% jump, it reversed the 0.2% decline seen in May last year, indicating renewed momentum in price growth.
Urban and Rural Inflation Both Show an Upward Trend
Urban inflation climbed to 11.8% year-on-year in May, up from 11.1% in April, while rural inflation rose to 11.5% from 10.6% in the previous month. Moreover, both segments recorded increases compared to significantly lower levels a year earlier, highlighting widespread inflationary pressure across Pakistan’s economy.
Urban prices rose 0.7% month-on-month, while rural prices increased 0.3%. Although both readings showed moderation compared to April, they still pointed to persistent cost pressures affecting households nationwide.
Broader Price Indices Reflect Sustained Pressure
In addition, the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) increased 12% year-on-year, reflecting rising costs of essential goods. Meanwhile, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) climbed 12.7%, suggesting continued inflation in supply chains and production costs.
Core inflation indicators also strengthened. Urban non-food non-energy inflation rose to 9%, while rural core inflation remained elevated at 8.4%. Furthermore, trimmed mean measures showed broad-based inflationary pressure continuing to build across both urban and rural areas.
Overall, the latest data confirms that inflationary trends in Pakistan remain firm, with headline and underlying price measures staying significantly above last year’s levels despite monthly fluctuations.
