The weekly inflation rate in Pakistan, measured through the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), eased by 0.16 percent for the combined consumption group during the week ending September 25. The SPI was recorded at 330.32 points compared to 330.84 points a week earlier, reflecting marginal relief for households. However, despite this weekly dip, inflation remained higher on a year-on-year basis, rising by 3.95 percent compared to the same week last year.
Breaking down the figures, the SPI for the lowest income group—earning up to Rs17,732—showed a slight increase of 0.02 percent, rising to 322.77 points from last week’s 322.71 points. In contrast, higher income groups recorded mild decreases. Groups with incomes between Rs17,733–22,888 fell by 0.04 percent, Rs22,889–29,517 by 0.09 percent, Rs29,518–44,175 by 0.14 percent, and above Rs44,175 by 0.21 percent. These mixed changes highlight differing inflationary pressures across income segments.
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During the week, price trends of essential goods showed varied movement. Out of 51 items monitored, 17 recorded increases, 11 showed decreases, and 23 remained stable. Key items that saw weekly declines included chicken (12.46%), bananas (4.22%), potatoes (2.44%), onions (1.61%), LPG (0.65%), garlic (0.61%), and multiple pulses, which provided slight relief to consumers.
On the other hand, several essential commodities witnessed price hikes. Tomatoes surged by 9.04 percent, while eggs, wheat flour, gur, powdered milk, washing soap, mutton, cooking oil, vegetable ghee, milk, and curd also became costlier. The increase in basic kitchen items such as wheat flour and cooking oil continues to pressure household budgets, despite declines in certain perishable goods.
Year-on-year comparisons revealed sharper contrasts, with some items experiencing significant drops and others rising steeply. Prices of onions fell by 42.39 percent, garlic by 27.95 percent, and chicken by 22.33 percent. However, key commodities like ladies’ sandals soared by 55.62 percent, tomatoes by 53.61 percent, and sugar by 31.90 percent, showing persistent inflationary pressures in non-food and food categories alike.
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Overall, the marginal easing in weekly inflation indicates temporary relief, yet persistent yearly increases in crucial items highlight the ongoing challenges for consumers. Economic experts emphasize that sustained measures are needed to control price volatility, particularly in essential commodities, to ease the burden on households across all income groups.