Tomato Prices Surge in Pakistan Amid Inflation Rise

Tomato prices in Islamabad have surged to Rs380 per kilogram, highlighting the failure of government price controls. Other cities also faced high tomato rates: Rs360 in Rawalpindi, Rs350 in Faisalabad, and Rs340 in Lahore. Prices reached Rs320 in Gujranwala and Sialkot, affecting many households. This price hike comes as inflation continues to rise across Pakistan.

The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) rose by 0.56% in the week ending October 2, 2025, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The SPI now stands at 332.17 points, up from 330.32 the previous week. On a yearly basis, inflation increased by 4.07%, indicating ongoing price pressures. The SPI measures price changes for 51 essential items in 17 urban centers.

Inflation hit the lowest income group hardest, rising by 0.82% to 325.43 points, up from 322.77 last week. Other income groups also saw inflation increases, ranging from 0.49% to 0.76%. In total, prices of 19 items increased while 12 items decreased and 20 remained stable. This mixed movement shows uneven impacts across consumer goods.

Tomatoes led the weekly price increases, soaring by 46.44%, followed by petrol, diesel, and garlic. Other rising items included onions, mutton, beef, and vegetable ghee. Conversely, prices of chicken, bananas, pulse gram, and cooking oil dropped significantly. These changes highlight shifting consumer costs amid inflation.

Year-on-year, tomatoes showed the steepest rise at 89.81%, while onions and chicken prices fell by 44.93% and 31.08%, respectively. Other notable yearly increases included sugar, gas charges, and wheat flour. This data reflects ongoing challenges for consumers facing volatile food and fuel prices across Pakistan.