ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported a marginal decrease in weekly inflation for the combined consumption group during the week ending September 11. The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) dropped slightly to 335.35 points from 335.41 points last week, marking a 0.02 percent decline.
Compared to the same week last year, the SPI recorded a 5.03 percent increase, reflecting ongoing price pressures in the economy. The SPI, based on the 2015-16=100 index, tracks 51 essential items across 17 urban centres for all expenditure groups.
For lower-income households earning up to Rs17,732, weekly inflation declined by 0.10 percent, with SPI falling to 327.39 points. Other consumption groups also saw minor decreases: Rs17,733–22,888 (0.13%), Rs22,889–29,517 (0.11%), Rs29,518–44,175 (0.09%). The highest income group, earning above Rs44,175, experienced a slight 0.06 percent increase.
During the week, prices of 22 items (43.14%) increased, 4 items (7.84%) decreased, and 25 items (49.02%) remained stable. Major weekly price increases were seen in onions (12.17%), tomatoes (10.47%), potatoes (3.57%), LPG (3.10%), rice IRRI-6/9 (1.63%), eggs (1.52%), and sugar (1.46%). Wheat flour (9.80%), chicken (3.20%), bananas (3.10%), and gur (0.30%) recorded significant decreases.
On a year-on-year basis, several commodities witnessed sharp price rises. Tomatoes surged by 90.07%, ladies sandals by 55.62%, gas charges by 29.85%, sugar by 29.33%, and wheat flour by 18.65%. Other notable increases included pulse moong, gur, beef, firewood, and vegetable ghee. Conversely, onions fell 40.28%, garlic 26.69%, electricity charges 21.37%, pulse mash 20.89%, tea 17.93%, and potatoes 15.70%.
Experts say the slight drop in weekly inflation indicates minor short-term relief for consumers, though year-on-year trends highlight continuing pressures on essential goods. The PBS data provides important insights for policymakers and households tracking price changes.
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