The Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows an increase in inflation in Pakistan of 24.5% in December from 12.3% last year, up from 23.8% in November, as food and transportation costs remained high.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported an increase of 0.7% in inflation, despite the commodities remaining out of consumer’s reach.
The Ministry of Finance’s forecasted inflation of from 21% to 23%.
PBS indices rose by double digits, except for housing and utilities and communication. Perishable food and transport, the main drivers of inflation in recent months, decreased by 12.58pc and 0.81pc, respectively.
Index-wise increase in inflation Year on Year (YoY):
- Health: 17.45%
- Clothing and footwear: 17.1%
- Perishable food items: 55.93%
- Transport: 41.16%
- Education: 10.92%
- Housing and utilities: 6.95%
- Communication: 1.68p%
- Recreation and Culture: 38.49%
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: 36.19%
- Non-perishable food items: 32.49%
- Furnishing and household equipment maintenance: 29.23%
- Restaurants and hotels: 27.37
- Miscellaneous: 25.77pc