Pakistan recorded a slight decline in weekly inflation, according to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, offering some relief to consumers despite continued increases in the prices of several essential commodities.
Read More: Weekly SPI declines as annual inflation remains sharply elevated
The bureau reported that weekly inflation fell by 0.56 per cent during the latest assessment period. However, the overall annual inflation rate remained elevated at 14.75 per cent, reflecting persistent price pressures across various sectors of the economy.
According to the data, prices of 22 essential items increased during the week, while 10 commodities became cheaper and 19 remained unchanged. The mixed trend highlights the uneven movement of prices in the local market.
Among the items recording the sharpest increases, onion prices rose by 28.16 per cent, while potatoes became 21.91 per cent more expensive over the week. Consumers also faced higher prices for flour, ghee, cooking oil, fresh milk and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), adding to household expenses.
On the other hand, several key items registered notable declines. Chicken prices dropped by 9.48 per cent, while garlic became 9.13 per cent cheaper. Fuel prices also provided some relief, with diesel prices falling by 7.01 per cent and petrol prices decreasing by 6.80 per cent during the week.
Economists note that fluctuations in food and energy prices continue to play a major role in shaping short-term inflation trends. While lower fuel costs can help ease transportation and production expenses, increases in food prices often have a direct impact on household budgets.
The latest figures come amid ongoing discussions about inflation management and economic stability. Analysts say future inflation trends will depend on factors such as energy prices, agricultural output, exchange rate movements and government fiscal policies.
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Although the weekly decline indicates some improvement, the annual inflation rate remains a concern for policymakers and consumers, who continue to monitor price developments closely in the months ahead.