Pakistan’s annual inflation declines to 3.71%, weekly prices show marginal rise
Pakistan’s annual inflation rate dropped to 3.71% last week, while a slight weekly increase of 0.07% was recorded, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The report highlighted mixed trends in essential commodity prices, with some rising, others falling, and several remaining stable.
On a weekly basis, the prices of 18 essential items increased, 11 decreased, and 24 remained unchanged. Notable price hikes were observed in live broiler chicken (3.80%), ghee (2.27%), bananas (2%), potatoes (1.93%), and cooking oil (1%). Other items with increased prices included energy savers, laundry detergent, LPG, and cigarettes.
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Conversely, several key items saw price reductions. Onions became cheaper by 3.58%, tomatoes by 3.10%, eggs by 2.14%, garlic by 1.58%, and gram flour (daal channa) by 1.19%. Additional declines were reported for rice, daal maash, wheat flour, and firewood.
Over the year, certain items experienced significant price increases despite the overall inflation decline. Daal channa saw a sharp rise of 60%, while daal moong and potatoes increased by 36%. Dry milk prices went up by 26%, beef by 24%, and tomatoes by 20.51%. Other contributors to inflationary pressure included garlic (16%), shoes (75%), and gas charges (15.52%), alongside a 14.54% increase in clothing and a 12% rise in firewood prices.
In contrast, several items became more affordable over the past year. Wheat flour prices dropped by 36%, and red chilies saw a 20% decrease. Lentils were 10.26% cheaper, onion prices fell by 9%, and rice saw a reduction of 7.46%. Other notable declines included sugar (6.52%), bread (6%), and tea (5%), along with diesel and petrol prices, which decreased by 10.77% and 10.33%, respectively.
Providing some relief, the PBS also reported a 6.96% reduction in electricity tariffs for low-income households, a positive development amidst fluctuating prices.
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