ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s weekly inflation recorded an increase of 0.24%, according to the latest report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday, showing that rising food prices continue to pinch household budgets.
The report said the annual weekly inflation rate stood at 3.75%. During the week under review, prices of 17 essential items increased, while 14 items became cheaper, indicating a mixed trend but with the balance tilting upward.
Chicken prices jumped sharply by Rs40.34 per kilogram, while eggs became dearer by Rs10.31 per dozen. Firewood prices rose by Rs12.35 per maund, adding to the burden as winter sets in.
Among other items, moong lentils increased by Rs1.17 per kilogram. Prices of yoghurt, fresh milk, mutton and powdered milk also moved up, showing that daily-use food items are still “costing an arm and a leg” for ordinary consumers.
On the other hand, tomatoes provided some relief, becoming cheaper by Rs9.01 per kilogram. Potato prices fell by Rs5.08 per kilogram, while sugar saw a notable decline of Rs7.09 per kilogram over the week.
According to the PBS, diesel, masoor lentils and LPG cylinders were also among the items that became cheaper. Meanwhile, prices of 20 items, including bread, wheat flour and clothing, remained unchanged during the week, offering little comfort but keeping things “steady as she goes.”
