The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that weekly inflation, as measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), remained virtually unchanged for the week ending August 21. The index recorded a marginal decline of 0.01 percent, settling at 329.11 points compared to 329.15 points the previous week. Despite the weekly stability, the SPI showed a 2.30 percent increase compared to the same week last year, indicating persistent inflationary pressures on an annual basis.
A closer look at the data reveals a divergent impact on different socioeconomic segments. The lowest consumption group, comprising households with a monthly income of up to Rs 17,732, experienced a 0.20 percent increase in their cost of living. In contrast, the highest income group (above Rs 44,175) saw a slight decrease of 0.02 percent. This indicates that the burden of inflation continues to weigh more heavily on lower-income families.
The PBS report highlighted dramatic price movements for individual items. Major weekly increases were driven by a 9.01 percent rise in electricity charges and a 4.46 percent hike in diesel prices. Several pulses also became more expensive. Conversely, consumers found significant relief in a sharp 19.87 percent drop in tomato prices and a 10.85 percent decrease in onion prices. The cost of wheat flour and chicken also fell notably by 9.38 percent and 3.63 percent, respectively.
On a year-on-year basis, the price trends tell a different story. While items like onions and garlic have become dramatically cheaper compared to last year, falling by over 45% and 25% respectively, many other essentials have seen steep rises. Sugar prices are up 26.11%, beef by 13.03%, and gas charges by nearly 30%. Notably, non-food items like ladies’ sandals have surged by over 55 percent, reflecting broad-based inflationary trends across the economy.
