Inflation Climbs Again: Prices of 21 Essential Items Rise Across Pakistan

Inflation continued its upward trend for the second consecutive week, fueled by a rise in prices of basic food commodities.

According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the weekly inflation rate increased by 0.17 percent, reaching 4.34 percent on an annual basis.

During the week, 21 essential items became costlier. The prices of live broiler chicken, onions, wheat flour, eggs, ghee, and jaggery showed noticeable increases. Firewood and garlic also saw price jumps, adding further strain on household budgets.

A 20-kg bag of wheat flour became Rs117 more expensive, reaching an average price of Rs2,150 — with rates varying from Rs1,810 to Rs3,000 across cities. Live chicken surged by Rs29 per kg, averaging Rs350, while in some markets, it sold as high as Rs410.

Eggs rose by Rs7 per dozen, selling between Rs300 and Rs360. Sugar also edged higher, averaging Rs184.37 per kg, nearing record highs in several cities.

Despite this overall rise, six essential items saw a decrease in prices, including tomatoes, potatoes, gram, bananas, and domestic LPG cylinders. Tomato prices dropped by Rs30 per kg, while LPG rates averaged Rs3,045 nationwide.

Meanwhile, prices of 24 key items remained stable during the week.