Pakistan’s annual inflation rate fell to 9.6% in October, returning to single digits after remaining in double digits for two consecutive months, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The annual inflation rate stood at 11.1% in August before declining to 10.3% in September. In October, inflation was recorded at 9.8% in rural areas and 9.5% in urban areas. The average inflation rate from July to October stood at 10.05%.
According to the PBS report, onions and split chickpeas (dal chana) recorded the highest monthly price increases, rising by 19.38% and 19.17%, respectively. Wheat prices increased by 9%, while flour became 7.54% more expensive. Prices of vegetables rose by 6.55%, eggs by 5.72% and gram flour (besan) by 5.54%.
Other commodities that recorded price increases included chickpeas, fruits, mash lentils, fish, dry fruits and masoor lentils. Motor fuel prices also increased by 3% during the month. Meanwhile, prices of tomatoes, onions, potatoes, sugar, moong lentils, gur and rice declined. Electricity charges also decreased by 3.31% in October.
On an annual basis, transport fares recorded an increase of 28.61%, while healthcare services became 8.09% more expensive and education costs rose by 8%. The PBS report further showed that prices in the housing, water, electricity, gas and fuel category increased by 11% year-on-year, while clothing and footwear prices rose by 9.19%.
