SPI inflation increased four percent year-on-year in the week ending December 4. Rising edible oil and wheat flour prices drove the increase. The SPI has been rising for 18 consecutive weeks. Perishable goods, LPG cylinders, and electricity also contributed to higher prices. Officials said short-term inflation remains a key concern for consumers.
Week-on-week, SPI declined by 0.64 percent due to slight drops in tomatoes, potatoes, and onions. Supply disruptions from the Afghan border closure caused prior sharp price spikes. Sugar and meat prices also rose sharply, fueling inflationary pressure. Analysts warn volatility in staple food prices will continue. Consumers are feeling the impact on household budgets.
READ MORE:Weekly inflation decreases by 0.64%
Recent weekly price increases included LPG (3.5%), garlic (1.86%), cooking oil 5 liters (1.54%), eggs (0.81%), and bread (0.57%). Vegetable ghee, powdered milk, bananas, wheat flour, and cigarettes also saw smaller hikes. Meanwhile, prices of tomatoes, onions, potatoes, chicken, sugar, diesel, and pulses declined slightly week-on-week. Market experts said short-term supply and demand changes drove these variations.
On an annual basis, prices of sugar (37.49%), gas charges (29.85%), wheat flour (17.5%), gur (15.06%), beef (13.47%), and firewood (12.59%) increased the most. Bananas, powdered milk, diesel, cooking oil, and vegetable ghee also rose significantly. In contrast, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, onions, pulses, tea, electricity, and salt prices dropped sharply year-on-year. Rising essential commodity prices continue to affect consumers nationwide.
READ MORE:Inflation edges down to 6.1% in November
SPI inflation shows a mixed trend but remains high due to edible oil and wheat flour costs. Authorities monitor prices closely as staple food affordability becomes a concern. Short-term price volatility and persistent supply challenges will likely keep SPI inflation elevated. Consumers are advised to plan budgets accordingly and track essential goods prices regularly.