ISLAMABAD: The Sensitive Price Index (SPI)-based inflation rose by 0.24 per cent for the week ending November 7, 2024, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
This increment reflects ongoing pressures from rising fuel and food costs, affecting essential items across the country.
Weekly price movements highlight key increases
Out of 51 items monitored, the PBS reported price increases in 21 items (41.18 per cent), while prices of 10 items (19.61 per cent) decreased, and 20 items (39.21 per cent) remained stable. Among the notable increases, LPG rose by 3.37 per cent, with eggs, potatoes, onions, mustard oil, and tomatoes also showing significant price jumps.
The following items saw the highest weekly price increases:
- LPG: Up 3.37 per cent
- Eggs: Up 2.70 per cent
- Potatoes: Up 2.63 per cent
- Onions: Up 2.61 per cent
- Mustard Oil: Up 2.36 per cent
- Diesel: Up 1.54 per cent
- Vegetable Ghee (1 kg): Up 1.49 per cent
Annual trends reflect significant inflation
Year-over-year, SPI-based inflation marked a 13.89 per cent increase, primarily driven by gas charges, which soared by 570 per cent. Key food and non-food items such as pulse gram, powdered milk, and beef also witnessed substantial annual price hikes. Essential commodities like onions, garlic, and firewood saw price rises, impacting household budgets across the country.
Key annual price increases include:
- Gas Charges for Q1: Up 570 per cent
- Pulse Gram: Up 80.59 per cent
- Pulse Moong: Up 40.46 per cent
- Powdered Milk: Up 25.74 per cent
- Beef: Up 23.40 per cent
- Onions: Up 20.87 per cent
- Shirting Fabric: Up 16.35 per cent
This ongoing inflationary trend underlines the challenges faced by households in managing essential expenditures, as energy and food prices remain volatile.
