Inflation in Pakistan has surged to a 10-month high, a development primarily driven by the devastating impact of recent floods. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the prices of 23 essential items increased over the past week, making food and household goods more expensive across several regions.
Significant Price Hikes for Key Goods
- Flour: The price of a 20-kilogramme bag of flour rose by Rs465, pushing the average cost to Rs2,294. In some cities, the price was as high as Rs2,500. This represents a more than 25% increase in just one week.
- Tomatoes and Onions: Tomatoes saw an exceptional one-week hike of 46%. Their average price reached Rs205 per kilogramme, with some markets reporting sales at Rs300. The price of onions also rose by 8.57%, exceeding an average of Rs80 per kilogramme.
- Chicken and Other Items: Live broiler chicken also became more costly, reaching Rs540 per kilogramme. The prices of garlic, potatoes, moong lentils, bread, LPG, and clothing also saw an increase.
Overall Inflation Trends
The national statistics office recorded a 1.29% rise in the overall inflation rate during the week, which pushed the annual figure to 5.07%. Among the few items that became cheaper were bananas, sugar, and diesel. The prices of four essential items fell, while 24 remained stable.
