Inflation in Pakistan Climbs to 20.09%, Essential Commodities See Significant Price Hikes

The Federal Bureau of Statistics has reported a 0.17% increase in inflation in Pakistan over the past week, bringing the annual inflation rate to 20.09%. This rise in inflation has significantly impacted the cost of living for many households, with the prices of 19 essential commodities seeing considerable increases.

Key items such as chicken, garlic, daal channa, eggs, meat, milk, firewood, and cigarettes have experienced price hikes. However, some relief was noted with the prices of eight items, including tomatoes, onions, wheat flour, potatoes, daal masoor, and LPG, which saw a decrease.

The bureau’s data highlights notable annual price increases for several essential commodities:

• Onions: Up by 96%
• Daal channa: Up by 40%
• Dry milk: Up by 39%
• Garlic: Up by 35%
• Moong daal: Up by 29%
• Beef: Up by 24%
• Salt: Up by 23%
• Maash daal: Up by 22%

One of the most striking increases was in gas charges, which rose by an astonishing 570% over the past year, significantly impacting household budgets.

Despite these increases, there were also some notable decreases. Wheat flour became 32% cheaper, cooking oil dropped by 13.44%, ghee decreased by 10.42%, and eggs saw a 5.82% price reduction. Additionally, basmati rice, tea, and mustard oil also became cheaper.

The Federal Bureau of Statistics’ latest data underscores the volatile nature of commodity prices in Pakistan, with significant fluctuations impacting both consumers and the overall economy. The government and economic experts will need to closely monitor these changes and address the factors driving this inflation to provide relief to the population.