Karachi: Pakistan has witnessed an increase in inflationary pressure once again. According to the latest report released by the Federal Bureau of Statistics, the inflation rate in the country has recorded an increase of 0.37 percent on a weekly basis, while the annual inflation rate has reached 4.70 percent.
According to the report of the Bureau of Statistics, a mixed trend was seen in the prices of essential commodities during the last week. Overall, 13 items became expensive while 11 items became cheaper. However, the significant increase in the prices of some important items is causing concern for the common consumers.
According to the report, the highest increase was recorded in the price of chicken, where the price per kilogram increased by Rs 35.48 during the week. Similarly, the price of bananas per dozen also increased by more than Rs 7, while the price of garlic increased by about Rs 6.50 per kilogram.
Apart from this, beef, mutton, jaggery and cigarettes were also among the items that became expensive last week, which further increased household expenses.
An increase in prices was also seen in the energy sector. According to the Bureau of Statistics, the price of a domestic LPG cylinder increased by about Rs 200 during the week. Similarly, the price of petrol was recorded as Rs 8 per liter while the price of diesel was recorded as Rs 5.16 per liter.
On the other hand, a decrease in the prices of some items was also seen. According to the report, the price of tomatoes decreased by Rs 7.14 per kg while the price of eggs was recorded as Rs 20 per dozen.
Similarly, the price of onion decreased by Rs 4 per kg and the price of potato by about Rs 1.67 per kg, which has given partial relief to the consumers.
According to the Bureau of Statistics, the price of a 20-kg bag of flour also decreased by Rs 54.53, while the prices of dal mash, dal masoor, sugar and vegetable ghee also decreased.
According to the report, the prices of 27 items, including bread, fresh milk and yogurt, remained stable last week.
According to economists, although some items have become cheaper, the increase in the prices of basic commodities such as energy and meat may maintain inflationary pressure.
