Pakistan’weekly inflation falls by 0.98%, despite price hike in several essential commodities

Pakistan's weekly inflation rate declined by 0.98 percent, providing some relief to consumers, according to the latest figures

Pakistan’s weekly inflation rate declined by 0.98 percent, providing some relief to consumers, according to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Despite the overall decrease, prices of several essential food items continued to rise, highlighting the uneven nature of inflation across different consumer goods.

According to the Bureau of Statistics, the country’s overall annual inflation rate now stands at 13.52 percent. The weekly inflation report, based on the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), showed that although the general price level eased during the week, the cost of 23 essential commodities increased, continuing to place pressure on household budgets.

Among the sharpest increases, tomatoes recorded the highest weekly price jump, with prices soaring by 125.40 percent. The significant increase was followed by onions, which became 10.72 percent more expensive, while potato prices rose by 10.06 percent compared with the previous week.

The report also showed notable increases in the prices of other commonly used food items. Egg prices climbed by 8.32 percent, while the cost of wheat flour increased by 5.08 p. Prices of milk, yogurt and rice also registered upward movement during the week, adding to the financial burden faced by consumers already dealing with elevated living costs.

The continued rise in food prices reflects ongoing challenges in Pakistan’s inflation outlook, despite the decline in the overall weekly inflation rate. Essential commodities remain a major component of household spending, particularly for low- and middle-income families, making fluctuations in food prices a key concern for consumers.

However, the report also highlighted declines in the prices of several commodities. Chicken prices fell by 1.97 percent, offering some relief to households. Similarly, banana prices declined by 1.44 percent during the week.

In addition to these items, prices of several other essential products also moved downward. The Bureau of Statistics reported decreases in the prices of various pulses sugar, petrol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and garlic. The reduction in fuel prices is particularly significant, as transportation costs often influence the prices of a wide range of consumer goods and services.

The weekly inflation report provides a snapshot of short-term price movements and is based on the Sensitive Price Indicator, which monitors the prices of essential commodities across urban markets. The indicator is widely used to assess the immediate impact of inflation on households and to track changes in the cost of living.

Although the decline in weekly inflation suggests some easing in overall price pressures, the sharp increase in the prices of vegetables and other staple food items indicates that many consumers are still facing higher day-to-day expenses. Economists note that fluctuations in the prices of perishable goods are often influenced by seasonal supply conditions, transportation costs, and market availability.

The latest figures illustrate that while overall inflation has moderated on a weekly basis, the rising cost of several essential commodities continues to affect household budgets. Policymakers will likely continue monitoring price trends closely as they seek to balance inflation control with economic stability and protect consumers from further increases in the cost of living.