The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), a key gauge of short-term inflation, showed a small decline of 0.16 percent for the week ending September 25, 2025. While the drop suggests mild relief, the detailed breakdown showed both gains and losses for households.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the SPI tracks 51 essential goods across 50 markets in 17 major cities. It provides a close look at how daily price changes affect consumers.
Relief from poultry and fruits
Chicken prices saw the biggest decline, dropping 12.46 percent from the previous week. This marked a rare relief for households struggling with food budgets. Bananas also fell by 4.22 percent, while potatoes and onions declined by 2.44 percent and 1.61 percent respectively. Garlic slipped 0.61 percent, and pulses like moong and masoor recorded modest reductions.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices fell 0.65 percent, offering relief to families relying on cylinders for cooking.
Fresh pressure from tomatoes and wheat
Despite some price drops, short-term inflation was pushed up by other essentials. Tomatoes rose sharply by 9.04 percent, becoming the largest driver of weekly inflation. Wheat flour, a basic staple, climbed 0.76 percent, while eggs increased by 0.88 percent.
Other increases were seen in gur, powdered milk, washing soap, and mutton. Cooking oil and vegetable ghee also edged higher. Even non-food items, such as printed lawn fabric, recorded small hikes.
Yearly comparison paints a tougher picture
On a year-on-year basis, short-term inflation rose 3.95 percent. PBS data showed that items like tomatoes, sugar, wheat flour, and cooking oil became significantly more expensive compared to last year. In contrast, onions, garlic, and potatoes recorded sharp declines, while poultry remained cheaper on a yearly basis.
Uneven impact on households
The weekly change was nearly flat for the lowest income group but dropped more sharply for wealthier households. On an annual basis, middle-income families faced higher inflationary pressure compared to other groups.
Outlook ahead
Analysts say the latest SPI numbers highlight the volatile nature of short-term inflation. Seasonal factors and supply chain disruptions continue to drive weekly swings in prices. While some items like chicken and onions bring relief, rising costs of wheat flour, sugar, and tomatoes keep household budgets under pressure.
In other news read more about: The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), a key gauge of short-term inflation, showed a small decline of 0.16 percent for the week ending September 25, 2025. While the drop suggests mild relief, the detailed breakdown showed both gains and losses for households.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the SPI tracks 51 essential goods across 50 markets in 17 major cities. It provides a close look at how daily price changes affect consumers.
Relief from poultry and fruits
Chicken prices saw the biggest decline, dropping 12.46 percent from the previous week. This marked a rare relief for households struggling with food budgets. Bananas also fell by 4.22 percent, while potatoes and onions declined by 2.44 percent and 1.61 percent respectively. Garlic slipped 0.61 percent, and pulses like moong and masoor recorded modest reductions.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices fell 0.65 percent, offering relief to families relying on cylinders for cooking.
Fresh pressure from tomatoes and wheat
Despite some price drops, short-term inflation was pushed up by other essentials. Tomatoes rose sharply by 9.04 percent, becoming the largest driver of weekly inflation. Wheat flour, a basic staple, climbed 0.76 percent, while eggs increased by 0.88 percent.
Other increases were seen in gur, powdered milk, washing soap, and mutton. Cooking oil and vegetable ghee also edged higher. Even non-food items, such as printed lawn fabric, recorded small hikes.
Yearly comparison paints a tougher picture
On a year-on-year basis, short-term inflation rose 3.95 percent. PBS data showed that items like tomatoes, sugar, wheat flour, and cooking oil became significantly more expensive compared to last year. In contrast, onions, garlic, and potatoes recorded sharp declines, while poultry remained cheaper on a yearly basis.
Uneven impact on households
The weekly change was nearly flat for the lowest income group but dropped more sharply for wealthier households. On an annual basis, middle-income families faced higher inflationary pressure compared to other groups.
Outlook ahead
Analysts say the latest SPI numbers highlight the volatile nature of short-term inflation. Seasonal factors and supply chain disruptions continue to drive weekly swings in prices. While some items like chicken and onions bring relief, rising costs of wheat flour, sugar, and tomatoes keep household budgets under pressure.
In other news read more about: Short-Term Inflation Slightly Eases for Households in Pakistan
