KARACHI: Inflation recorded a minor increase of 0.07% on a weekly basis, while on an annual basis, it showed a decline to 3.71% last week.
According to a report by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, during the week, prices of 18 essential commodities increased, 11 saw a decrease, and 24 remained stable.
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 that became more expensive included energy savers, laundry detergent, LPG, and cigarettes.
Conversely, some essential items witnessed 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%. Items such as rice, daal maash, wheat flour, and firewood also saw price decreases.
On an annual basis, certain items experienced significant price increases. Daal channa prices rose by 60%, while daal moong and potatoes became 36% more expensive. Dry milk prices increased by 26%, beef by 24%, and tomatoes by 20.51%.
Other items, including garlic (16%), shoes (75%), and gas charges (15.52%), also contributed to the inflationary pressure. Clothes became 14.54% more expensive, and firewood saw a 12% increase.
In contrast, several items became cheaper over the year. Wheat flour and red chilies saw reductions of 36% and 20%, respectively, while lentils became 10.26% cheaper. Onion prices dropped by 9%, rice by 7.46%, sugar by 6.52%, bread by 6%, and tea by 5%. Notably, diesel and petrol prices decreased by 10.77% and 10.33%, respectively.
The statistics bureau also reported a 6.96% reduction in electricity tariffs for low-income households, providing some relief amidst fluctuating prices.
