Prices are rising again and this time the pressure is coming fast. Short-term inflation, measured by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, has increased by 9.12 per cent compared to last year. The main reason behind this rise is the sharp increase in fuel prices. Petrol and diesel have become more expensive due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
When fuel prices go up, everything else follows. Transport becomes costly, and this pushes up the prices of vegetables, meat, and other essential items. This is now the 34th straight week of rising prices. For many households, it means cutting down on food, delaying payments, or borrowing money just to survive.
Items like LPG, eggs, chicken, pulses, and milk have all become more expensive in recent days. Even though a few items like tomatoes and potatoes have become cheaper, the overall burden remains high.
On the global level, the situation is not much better. The Food and Agriculture Organization has reported that world food prices have increased again in March. Energy costs, driven by war conditions, are a major reason behind this trend.
When energy becomes expensive, food production and transport also become costly, and countries like Pakistan feel the impact more strongly. The danger is clear. If this trend continues, inflation may cross into double digits soon. For the common man, this could be devastating. In such times, the government cannot stay silent.
There is an urgent need for strong action. Relief measures, subsidies, and price control steps must be taken quickly to protect people. Without timely support, the burden of inflation may become too heavy, pushing many families deeper into hardship. War may be far away, but its effects are being felt at every kitchen table in Pakistan. *