Pakistan Inflation Hits 11.7% in May as Energy Costs Squeeze Middle-Class Budgets
Updated
Updated · Arab News · Jun 10
Pakistan Inflation Hits 11.7% in May as Energy Costs Squeeze Middle-Class Budgets
3 articles · Updated · Arab News · Jun 10
Summary
11.7% year-on-year inflation in May, up from 10.9% in April, marked Pakistan’s highest reading in nearly two years ahead of the June 12 federal budget.
Rising global energy import costs tied to the Middle East conflict pushed prices higher, while surging utility bills deepened pressure on household finances.
Rawalpindi resident Amjad Mahmood Awan said grocery costs that were about Rs10,000 a decade ago now reach Rs90,000, even as his monthly income rose fivefold to more than Rs200,000.
Awan’s family has cut snacks, switched to cheaper cooking oil and fewer spices, reduced trips, and added income through a home-based beauty parlor to cope.
Pakistan’s inflation topped 30% in 2023 before easing, but higher fuel levies, transport costs and power tariffs have kept living costs far above decade-ago levels.