Pakistan’s weekly inflation rate has decreased following five consecutive weeks of growth, as recent cuts in petroleum prices begin to ease consumer costs, the latest data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The report highlights a 0.69 percent drop in inflation on a week-on-week basis, offering some immediate relief to households. Nevertheless, the annual inflation rate remains elevated, standing at 12.16 percent year-on-year.
In a significant development, the PBS attributed the weekly decline mainly to notable reductions in fuel prices. Diesel prices fell to Rs134.58 per litre, petrol prices dropped by as much as Rs12 per litre, and the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders decreased by Rs230.52 during the week.
These lower fuel costs helped push down prices of several essential food items. Chicken prices plunged by Rs44.76 per kilogram, while bananas and onions experienced modest price drops. Additionally, the price of a 20kg bag of wheat flour declined by Rs72, providing further relief to consumers.
Other goods that saw price decreases included mash pulse, firewood, jaggery, sugar, and garlic.
Meanwhile, a mixed trend emerged as prices of some essential commodities increased. Tomatoes rose by Rs5 per kilogram, eggs became costlier by Rs5.15 per dozen, fresh milk prices went up by approximately Rs2.5 per litre, and mutton prices increased by over Rs5 per kilogram.
The report also noted price hikes in bread, yoghurt, moong pulse, and ghee, alongside non-food items such as clothing, shuttering materials, and soap.
Overall, 17 items experienced price increases while an equal number saw declines, reflecting a varied market pattern. Prices of another 17 commodities, including rice, salt, and electricity, remained stable throughout the week.
Analysts observe that although the weekly decrease offers some temporary relief, the persistently high annual inflation continues to strain household budgets across the country.
