Islamabad( The COW News Digital) Pakistan’s inflation rate recorded a fresh weekly increase of 0.38%, according to new data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), as prices of essential commodities continue to climb, affecting household budgets nationwide.
The report, which tracks the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) on a weekly basis, revealed that the prices of 22 essential items went up, while 9 items saw a decline in cost. The cumulative year-on-year inflation trend currently stands at -1.61%, suggesting a complex pattern of price movements, though weekly indicators show a consistent upward trajectory.
Among the key contributors to this week’s price hike were basic food items. The price of live chicken rose by PKR 35 per kilogram, while eggs increased by up to PKR 15 per dozen. In addition, milk, mutton, potatoes, onions, garlic, and lentils (masoor) also witnessed noticeable price surges.
The increase in fuel prices has also added pressure to the inflationary trend. Both petrol and high-speed diesel became more expensive during the week, further driving up transportation costs and indirectly influencing the prices of goods across markets.
Despite the overall inflationary trend, the prices of some essential goods did decline. Notable among the reduced items were sugar, tomatoes, wheat flour (atta), moong dal, and household LPG cylinders, offering slight relief to consumers battling high living costs.
The PBS data serves as a key indicator for government policymakers, highlighting the urgent need for measures to control food and energy inflation. Analysts warn that if unchecked, the continued rise in food and fuel prices could further strain low- and middle-income households, especially as the country approaches the summer-end economic review.
In the federal capital, a new official price for sugar has also been notified to counter artificial inflation, though enforcement remains a challenge. Economists emphasize the importance of coordinated supply chain management and targeted subsidies to mitigate the burden on consumers.
As the economic landscape remains volatile, the government faces increasing pressure to stabilize prices and restore purchasing power for the average citizen. Without substantial policy shifts, inflation may remain a persistent challenge in the months ahead.
