Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reports 0.59pc drop in weekly inflation across Pakistan
Business
Pakistan’s weekly inflation falls 0.59 percent, driven by lower food prices, though annual inflation remains elevated due to energy costs and essential commodity price pressures.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Short-term inflation in Pakistan eased slightly during the week ending 12 February, offering a small breather to consumers as prices of several food items declined.
Data showed weekly inflation, measured through the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), fell by 0.59 percent. In recent weeks, inflation had been on the rise mainly due to higher prices of perishable foods, pulses and meat.
During the latest week, prices dropped sharply for eggs, tomatoes and chicken, while onions, potatoes, wheat flour, sugar and LPG also became slightly cheaper. Analysts say falling food prices helped take the edge off rising living costs.
However, not all items followed the same trend. Prices of bananas, garlic, pulses, chilli powder and meat increased slightly. Some household goods and fabrics also saw minor price rises, showing the market is still a bit up and down.
On a yearly basis, inflation remained higher at 4.26 percent. The annual increase was largely driven by higher prices of tomatoes, wheat flour, gas charges, beef, eggs, LPG and powdered milk.
At the same time, yearly price drops were recorded for potatoes, garlic, pulses, onions, chicken and tea, offering some relief to household budgets.
The SPI monitors prices of 51 essential items across 17 urban centres and is used as a key short-term measure of price trends across different income groups.
