Inflation in Pakistan has continued its upward trend for the fourth consecutive week, with the weekly inflation rate increasing by 0.17%. According to the latest report from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the annual inflation rate now stands at 20.09%. The report highlights that prices for 19 essential items increased over the past week. Specifically, chicken became 4.80% more expensive, garlic rose by 2.01%, chickpeas by 1.87%, and eggs by 1.71%. Beef and jaggery saw price hikes of 0.93% and 0.89%, respectively, while mung beans and fresh milk prices increased by 0.84% and 0.45%. The cost of firewood and cigarettes also rose by 0.23% and 0.12%. On the other hand, prices for tomatoes fell by 9.19%, onions by 2.14%, bananas by 0.53%, and flour by 0.35%. Potatoes saw a slight decrease of 0.17%, and the price of LPG dropped by 1.04% over the same period. The Bureau of Statistics’ report underscores the ongoing volatility in essential goods prices, reflecting broader economic challenges facing the country.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan