Inflation in Pakistan has surged to a 10-month high, primarily driven by the economic impact of recent floods. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the prices of 23 essential items increased across various regions, affecting both food and household goods. This sudden spike has placed additional financial pressure on consumers already grappling with rising costs.
The price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour saw a substantial increase of Rs465, bringing the average cost to Rs2,294, while in some cities, prices soared as high as Rs2,500. This represents a more than 25 percent jump in just one week.
Tomatoes recorded an even more dramatic surge, rising 46 percent to an average of Rs205 per kilogram, with certain markets charging up to Rs300. Onion prices also climbed, increasing by 8.57 percent, surpassing Rs80 per kilogram on average.
Meat and poultry products were not spared, with live broiler chicken prices reaching Rs540 per kilogram. Other staples such as garlic, potatoes, moong lentils, bread, LPG, and even clothing experienced price hikes during the same period.
These sharp increases highlight the widespread effect of the floods on supply chains and basic commodities, as well as the vulnerability of everyday consumers to sudden market fluctuations.
The PBS reported that overall inflation rose by 1.29 percent in the past week, pushing the annual inflation rate to 5.07 percent.
Despite this overall upward trend, a few items became cheaper, including bananas, sugar, and diesel. Additionally, four essential items experienced price reductions, while the prices of 24 other items remained stable, providing limited relief to households.
The sudden surge in prices underscores the ongoing challenges in managing food and commodity inflation in Pakistan, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. Consumers continue to face heightened uncertainty as the cost of basic necessities rises, amplifying concerns about affordability and economic stability in the coming months.
