Prices of Tomatoes, Rice, and Sugar Surge as 22 Essential Items Become More Expensive in Pakistan

Islamabad: Despite a slight weekly decline in the overall inflation rate, the prices of several essential commodities have continued to rise in Pakistan. According to the latest report from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), 22 essential items, including tomatoes, rice, eggs, and sugar, have recorded a price increase over the past week.

The report highlights that while the weekly inflation rate decreased marginally by 0.2%, the year-on-year inflation rate currently stands at 5.03%.

Among the most affected items were onions, which saw a sharp rise of 12.17%, and tomatoes, which increased by 10.47%. Potatoes went up by 3.57%, rice by 1.63%, and eggs by 1.52% during the same period. Additionally, prices of moong and mash pulses, LPG, firewood, and clothing also experienced upward trends.

On a yearly basis, tomato prices have soared by 90%, sugar by 29%, and wheat flour by 18.65%.

However, the report also noted a price drop in four essential items during the last week. Wheat flour became cheaper by 9.80%, while chicken prices decreased by 3.20%.

The Sensitive Price Index (SPI) analysis shows that inflationary pressure varies across income groups. For households earning up to PKR 17,732 per month, inflation slowed by 0.10% to 4.89%. Those earning between PKR 17,733 and PKR 22,888 saw a 0.13% decrease in inflation to 5.23%.

Similarly, for the income brackets of PKR 22,889 to PKR 29,517 and PKR 29,518 to PKR 44,175, inflation dropped by 0.11% and 0.09% respectively, both now standing at 5.85%. For the highest income group, earning above PKR 44,176 per month, inflation slowed by 0.06%, reaching 5.15%.

Despite the marginal dip in the overall inflation rate, the rising cost of essential commodities continues to strain household budgets across the country.