The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has reported a slight 0.01% decrease in Pakistan’s weekly inflation rate, but the relief was overshadowed by rising prices of key food items, leaving households under mounting pressure.

Inflation at a glance

According to the latest report, the annual weekly inflation rate was recorded at 2.30%, with prices of 18 essential commodities increasing during the past week. Meanwhile, the prices of eight items declined, and 25 remained stable.

Flour, tomatoes, chicken lead price surge

One of the biggest shocks for consumers came from the price of flour. A 20-kilogram bag of flour rose by Rs140, jumping from Rs1,492 to Rs1,632 within a week.

Other food essentials also saw significant hikes:

Tomatoes became costlier by over Rs21 per kilogram.
Onions surged by Rs7 per kilogram.
Chicken recorded a Rs16 increase per kilogram.

Slight relief in limited commodities

While many essentials went up in price, the Bureau noted that eight items witnessed slight reductions, though these had little impact compared to the surge in staple food prices.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s exports increased by 16.43% in July, reaching $2.68 billion, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

Also Read: Country's exports rise by 16.43% in July

According to details, textile exports rose by 32% to $1.67 billion, as the exports of ready-made garments, cotton yarn, fabric, knitwear, bed linen and towels increased. Meanwhile, exports of tents, canvas and tarpaulin declined during the period.

Exports of food items fell by 10.25%, amounting to $426.9 million. Exports of Basmati rice, vegetables, oilseeds, sugar, plastic materials, pharmaceuticals and transport equipment dropped.

In contrast, exports of fruits, spices, meat and meat products increased. The export of auto parts, leather goods and surgical instruments also recorded growth.

Petroleum and coal exports fell by 23.37%, with the value dropping to $48.8 million.