After a brief period of stability, Pakistan is experiencing a resurgence in inflation. Recent statistics indicate a 0.45% increase in the inflation rate over the past week, following a modest 0.11% rise the previous week.
According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics’ weekly report, prices for 19 essential commodities, including potatoes, tomatoes, onions, milk, yoghurt, and chickpeas, have risen. On the other hand, prices for 14 goods, such as flour, eggs, garlic, and chilli powder, have decreased, while 18 items have maintained their prices.
The report details significant price hikes, with onions increasing by 33 rupees and 39 paise per kilogram, tomatoes by 10 rupees and 6 paise, potatoes by 2 rupees and 36 paise, and bananas per dozen by 7 rupees and 26 paise. Additionally, the cost of chicken per kilogram rose by 5 rupees and 91 paise.
Despite reductions in petroleum products this week, prices for staple items such as double roti decreased by 3 rupees and 5 paise, and eggs per dozen were cheaper by 2 rupees and 27 paise.
The Bureau also noted price reductions in basmati rice by 2 rupees and 79 paise per kilo and a 13 rupees and 65 paise drop in the cost of a 20-kilogram bag of flour. Other items such as sugar, green gram, and red chilli also saw price decreases.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics’ weekly inflation report noted an annual inflation rate of 21.69%, based on the Sensitive Price Index, which monitors the prices of 51 essential items in 50 markets across 17 cities. This week’s assessment found 19 items to be more expensive, 14 cheaper, and 18 stable, highlighting the fluctuating nature of the country’s economic landscape.”
