Pakistan’s short-term inflation remained above the 11% mark in November, highlighting the continued pressure on household budgets. Rising prices of essential food items and energy costs contributed to the increase, despite a recent decline in petroleum prices.
According to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday, year-on-year inflation reached 11.21% in the week ending November 12, 2026. Meanwhile, the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) recorded a slight weekly decline of 0.46%.
The figures reveal a mixed picture, as several essential commodities became more expensive while others recorded price reductions.
Food Prices Continue to Drive Pakistan’s Inflation
The weekly inflation index monitors 51 essential commodities across 50 markets in 17 cities. During the latest reporting week, prices of 19 items, representing 37.25% of the monitored commodities, increased.
In contrast, nine items, or 17.65%, became cheaper. Meanwhile, prices of the remaining 23 commodities, accounting for 45.10%, remained unchanged compared with the previous week.
Perishable food products continued to contribute significantly to inflationary pressures. Tomatoes recorded the highest weekly increase of 12.06%, followed by eggs at 5.98%.
Similarly, potato prices increased by 2.42%, while garlic became 1.76% more expensive. Chicken prices also rose by 1.32%, whereas firewood recorded an increase of 1.10%.
Furthermore, wheat flour prices increased by 0.94%, followed by pulse masoor at 0.64%. Beef prices rose by 0.47%, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) recorded a 0.30% increase.
Petrol and Diesel Prices Offer Some Relief
Despite rising food prices, several essential commodities recorded weekly price declines. Petrol prices dropped by 7.42%, while diesel became 6.10% cheaper.
Similarly, onion prices declined by 1.70%, followed by bananas at 1.03%. Gur prices decreased by 0.59%, while sugar recorded a reduction of 0.43%.
Moreover, powdered milk prices fell by 0.36%, pulse moong by 0.32% and pulse gram by 0.08%.
Although petroleum prices have declined over the past three consecutive days, their impact on the next inflation review remains to be seen. However, the recent increase in LPG prices has added further pressure.
LPG and Electricity Remain Major Inflation Concerns
The annual comparison presents a more concerning picture for consumers. LPG prices recorded the highest increase, surging by 111.35% compared with the corresponding period last year.
Tomatoes followed with a 78.94% increase, while electricity charges for the first quarter (Q1) rose by 52.38%. Wheat flour prices increased by 36.14%, while diesel became 30.77% more expensive.
Similarly, petrol prices climbed by 26.23%, followed by onions at 19.67%. Other commodities recording annual increases included powdered chillies (15.55%), mutton (14.67%), plain bread (12.35%), beef (11.30%) and chicken (10.98%).
Nevertheless, several commodities became considerably cheaper over the same period. Potato prices declined by 36.41%, while sugar recorded a 24.54% reduction.
Egg prices also dropped by 23.29%, followed by powdered salt at 12.51%. Meanwhile, pulse masoor became 7.21% cheaper, pulse moong declined by 6.83%, gur by 6.63% and bananas by 3.35%.
Why Is Inflation Still Above 11%?
Rising energy costs continue to contribute to inflationary pressures across the economy. Higher petroleum and diesel prices can increase transportation and production expenses, eventually pushing up the prices of essential goods.
This situation reflects cost-push inflation, where increasing production costs translate into higher consumer prices. Consequently, households face additional financial pressure when purchasing everyday necessities.
The higher prices also indirectly contribute to increased sales tax collections through more expensive goods and services.
Last week’s figures showed year-on-year short-term inflation at 12.31%, largely driven by LPG and perishable food products. Although the latest reading has eased to 11.21%, inflation remains in double digits.
The latest figures therefore highlight a continuing challenge for consumers, as falling prices in some categories have yet to offset increases in essential food and energy costs.
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