weekly inflation hits
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Weekly inflation hits 9.66% amid price surge

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s weekly inflation increased during the latest reporting period as higher fuel and food prices pushed up the cost of living, according to the latest report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The report showed that weekly inflation rose by 0.91%, while the country’s annual inflation rate reached 9.66%, indicating that prices of essential goods continue to remain under pressure despite declines in a few commodities.

According to the Bureau of Statistics, prices of 22 essential commodities increased during the past week, while eight items became cheaper and 21 items recorded no change.

The sharpest increase was recorded in petroleum products. High-speed diesel became 15.87% more expensive, while the price of petrol increased by 5.23%. The rise in fuel prices is expected to affect transportation costs and may also increase the prices of other goods in the coming weeks.

Among food items, tomatoes recorded the highest increase, with prices rising 39.92% in just one week. Egg prices increased by 7.31%, adding to household food expenses.

The report also showed that the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) increased by 0.91%, while potatoes became 3.70% more expensive. Prices of garlic, beef and several other essential food items also registered increases during the week.

Although inflation remained on the rise, consumers received limited relief in the prices of a few commodities. Chicken prices fell by 4.66%, making it one of the biggest weekly declines among food products. Bananas became 1.72% cheaper, while prices of sugar, rice and different varieties of pulses also recorded decreases.

Economists say rising fuel prices are one of the major reasons behind the increase in weekly inflation because higher transportation and production costs often lead to price increases across various sectors of the economy.

The latest inflation figures suggest that many households continue to face pressure from the rising cost of essential goods, particularly food and fuel. While price reductions in some commodities have provided modest relief, overall inflation remains elevated due to continued increases in several key household items.

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