ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Pakistan’s weekly inflation increased by 0.49 per cent, with recent increases in petroleum product prices contributing to upward pressure on the prices of essential commodities, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The weekly price report showed that out of 51 essential items monitored, prices of 19 increased, nine declined and 23 remained unchanged during the week.
Fuel prices recorded some of the largest increases during the period. The price of diesel increased by 7.29pc, while petrol became 6.40pc more expensive and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rose by 3.26pc.
The increase in energy prices came alongside higher prices of several food products.
According to the report, garlic became 1.94pc more expensive, while egg prices increased by 1.72pc during the week.
Prices of gram pulse, masoor pulse, moong pulse, bread, mustard oil and mutton also increased, although the figures provided did not specify the percentage change for each of these commodities.
However, consumers received some relief from falling prices of several commonly used food items.
The price of bananas declined by 6.17pc, followed by tomatoes by 5.66pc, onions by 4.57pc and chicken by 2.33pc during the week.
The figures indicate that while some fresh food items became cheaper, increases in petroleum products and other essential commodities kept overall weekly inflation under upward pressure.
Annual inflation picture
The PBS data also showed substantial year-on-year increases in several energy and food prices.
On an annual basis, LPG prices increased by 60.42pc, while diesel was 54.21pc more expensive compared with the corresponding period last year.
Petrol prices recorded a 48pc year-on-year increase, according to the report.
Electricity tariffs for the low-income category increased by 33.54pc compared with a year earlier.
Among food commodities, wheat flour prices increased by 33.27pc on a year-on-year basis.
Chilli powder became 16.37pc more expensive, mutton prices increased by 15.86pc, while beef recorded an annual increase of 12.88pc.
Prices of bananas, bread and fresh milk were also higher compared with the corresponding period last year.
Not all essential commodities recorded increases, however.
Potato prices declined by 35.31pc on a year-on-year basis, while sugar became 20.95pc cheaper.
Egg prices decreased by 19.31pc, while chicken prices were 15.26pc lower compared with the corresponding period last year.
Prices of salt, gram pulse, masoor pulse and moong pulse also declined on an annual basis.