ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s short-term inflation rose by 14.52 percent year-on-year during the week ending May 14, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
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The Sensitive Price Index (SPI) recorded its 40th consecutive weekly increase. Rising fuel, electricity and food prices remained the main reasons behind the surge.
Fuel and Electricity Prices Drive Inflation
Petrol prices increased by 64.23 percent compared to last year. Diesel prices also jumped by 61.61 percent.
Electricity charges for the first quarter rose by 52.58 percent. LPG prices increased by 48.34 percent.
Economists described the trend as cost-push inflation caused by higher energy prices and global fuel market uncertainty.
Food Prices Continue to Rise
Several essential food items recorded sharp annual increases.
Wheat flour prices climbed by 57.56 percent. Onion prices increased by 50.06 percent, while tomatoes rose by 40.66 percent.
The prices of mutton, beef, garlic, bananas and chilli powder also moved higher.
On a weekly basis, tomatoes showed the sharpest increase at 22.13 percent.
Wheat flour, onions, bananas and potatoes also became more expensive during the week.
Consumers also paid higher prices for milk, curd and sugar.
Chicken, Eggs and Pulses Provide Some Relief
Despite the overall inflation surge, a few food items became cheaper.
Chicken prices fell by 6.34 percent during the week. Egg prices declined by 3.83 percent.
The prices of garlic, LPG and several pulses also dropped slightly.
On an annual basis, potato prices recorded the biggest decline at 43.07 percent.
Pulse gram, chicken, eggs and sugar prices also decreased compared to last year.
Pressure on Consumers Continues
The SPI increased by 0.47 percent compared to the previous week.
Rising fuel and transport costs continue to increase financial pressure on households across Pakistan.
Analysts believe global oil prices and domestic energy costs may keep inflation high in the coming weeks.
