ISLAMABAD: Just a fortnight after assuming office, the newly elected government witnessed a significant 1.35 percent rise in the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), marking a weekly inflation report.
This surge in the weekly inflation rate has pushed the annual inflation rate to a concerning 32.89 percent, signaling substantial economic strain.
Statistics released by the authorities reveal increases in prices for 18 essential items, decreases in 14, while 23 remained unchanged.
Notably, as the holy month commenced, prices surged for tomatoes, bananas, eggs, and garlic. Tomatoes escalated by Rs 30 per kilogram, bananas reached Rs 34 per dozen, and eggs soared to Rs 19 per dozen.
Additionally, domestic LPG cylinder prices rose to Rs 146.71, exacerbating financial burdens. Garlic saw a hike of Rs 22 per kilogram, and mutton surged by Rs 31 per kilogram.
Basic food staples such as beef, chicken, cooking oil, and flour were also affected, with beef rising to Rs 14 per kilogram and chicken to Rs 6 per kilogram.
However, there was some relief with branded edible oil witnessing a Rs 29 decrease for a 5-liter container. Branded ghee dropped by Rs 14 for a 2.5 kg package, and a 20 kg bag of flour saw a reduction of Rs 26.
Furthermore, sugar prices decreased by Rs 0.93 per kilogram over the week, according to the statistics office.
