Pakistan’s short-term inflation rose slightly during the past week, according to fresh data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The Sensitive Price Indicator, which tracks the cost of everyday essentials, increased by 0.09 percent on a weekly basis.
The rise was mainly linked to higher food and fuel prices. Tomatoes recorded the sharpest jump, climbing 12.78 percent during the week. Bananas rose by 8.16 percent, while onions increased by 7.27 percent. Garlic also became costlier by 5.45 percent. Among non food items, diesel prices went up by 4.35 percent, adding to pressure on household budgets. Prices of pulse masoor, pulse moong and mustard oil also moved up slightly.
However, the report showed that several key items became cheaper, which helped limit the overall rise in inflation. Wheat flour prices fell by 2.89 percent, while eggs dropped by 2.86 percent. Liquefied petroleum gas, gur, salt powder and gram pulse also recorded small declines. Cooking oil and IRRI rice prices edged lower as well.
Out of 51 essential items tracked during the week, prices of 12 items increased, 13 items decreased and 26 remained unchanged.
Yearly trend shows moderate increase
On a yearly basis, the SPI rose by 4.84 percent compared with the same week last year. Tomato prices remained far higher than a year ago, up by nearly 80 percent. Eggs, wheat flour and gas charges also recorded notable increases. Bananas, chilli powder, beef and LPG showed moderate yearly growth, while firewood, powdered milk and clothing prices also moved up.
At the same time, several items were cheaper than last year. Potato prices fell sharply by over 44 percent. Garlic, gram pulse and onions also showed significant declines. Tea, chicken, salt powder and petrol prices were lower compared with last year.
Among other indicators, the average price of Sona urea stood at Rs4,414 per 50kg bag, slightly higher than last week but lower than last year. Cement prices also rose marginally to Rs1,412 per bag, showing a small weekly and yearly increase.
The Sensitive Price Indicator monitors 51 essential commodities across 50 markets in 17 cities. It is released every week to give a quick picture of changes in the cost of living and helps authorities track short-term inflation trends.
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