LAHORE: Pakistan’s inflation rate in November has shot past government expectations, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The inflation rate for the month stood at 6.16%, while the Ministry of Finance had estimated it between 5% and 6%.
Compared to October, prices rose by 0.40% in November. From July to November, the average inflation rate hovered around 5.01%. The report highlights sharp increases in essential items, with onions up 40% and chicken prices rising 17%. Eggs became 8% costlier, while fish saw more than a 2% hike.
Potatoes climbed 2.67%, fresh fruits rose 2.27%, and cooking oil increased 1.55% over the month. Wheat prices went up by 1.12%, and milk rose by 1%. On an annual basis, food items saw an increase of 5.53%.
On the flip side, some items became cheaper. Tomato prices dropped by a whopping 53%, while pulses and vegetables also became more affordable. Chickpeas fell by 7.69%, vegetables by 5.90%, besan by 4.68%, and moong dal by 2%.
The report shows a mixed bag: while some essentials are burning a hole in households’ pockets, others are providing a bit of relief amid rising inflation.
