Islamabad, February 2, 2026 – Pakistan’s headline inflation increased by 5.8% in January 2026, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The rise reflects ongoing price pressures in both urban and rural areas across the country.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation – General rose 5.8% year-on-year (YoY) in January 2026, up from 5.6% in December 2025 and 2.4% in January 2025. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, CPI increased 0.4%, compared to a 0.4% decline in the previous month.
Urban CPI inflation remained stable at 5.8% YoY, while rural CPI inflation rose by 5.8% YoY, up from 5.4% in December 2025. Month-on-month, urban and rural CPI increased 0.2% and 0.6%, respectively.
The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) showed a 3.3% YoY increase in January, while MoM SPI remained negative at -0.8%, continuing a downward trend from previous months. Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose modestly by 0.2% YoY, with a slight 0.2% MoM decline.
Core inflation (NFNE), measured by non-food non-energy items, rose 7.2% YoY in urban areas and 8.3% YoY in rural areas. Trimmed mean core inflation increased 4.9% YoY in urban areas and 5.4% YoY in rural regions, reflecting steady underlying inflation pressures.
Analysts note that while headline inflation remains moderate, persistent increases in core inflation suggest ongoing cost pressures in essential goods and services, highlighting the need for monitoring and policy measures to ensure price stability.