Inflation Surges at Start of Ramadan as Weekly Rate Rises to 1.16%
**Islamabad (Qudrat Roznama)** – Inflation has surged across the country at the very beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, with the weekly inflation rate increasing by 1.16 percent, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
The report stated that on an annual basis, overall inflation was recorded at 5.19 percent. During the past week, prices of 17 essential items increased, 12 items became cheaper, while 22 items remained stable.
According to the statistics, bananas became more expensive by Rs28 per dozen, while the price of live chicken rose by Rs19 per kilogram. Garlic increased by Rs28 per kg and onions by Rs3 per kg. Tomatoes also saw a rise of Rs4 per kg during the week.
Fuel prices also registered significant hikes, with high-speed diesel increasing by Rs7.26 per liter and petrol by Rs5 per liter. The price of a domestic LPG cylinder went up by Rs26.
On the other hand, some relief was recorded in a few essential commodities. Eggs became cheaper by Rs33 per dozen, while potatoes saw a reduction of Rs1 per kg. The price of a 20-kilogram flour bag dropped by Rs47, and sugar prices declined by Rs1.50 per kg. Additionally, lentils (masoor), cooking oil, ghee, rice, and jaggery were among the items that witnessed price reductions.
The rise in essential commodity prices at the start of Ramadan has added to the financial burden on consumers already coping with economic challenges.
