SPI inflation stays in double digits at 11.21%

LPG prices surge 111.35%, tomatoes 78.94% YoY

KARACHI:

Inflation measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) remained in double digits on a year-on-year basis, rising 11.21% in the week ended November 12, despite a 0.46% decline from the preceding week, as steep increases in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), tomatoes, electricity charges and wheat flour continued to put pressure on household budgets.

According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday, the annual increase in the SPI eased from 12.31% recorded in the previous week. The SPI tracks prices of 51 essential commodities across 50 markets in 17 cities.

The decline in the weekly index was driven by lower petroleum prices, with petrol falling 7.42% and high-speed diesel declining 6.10%. On a year-on-year basis, LPG recorded the highest increase, surging 111.35%, tomato prices increased 78.94%, while electricity charges for the lowest consumption category (Q1) rose 52.38%.

Wheat flour prices climbed 36.14%, followed by diesel at 30.77% and petrol at 26.23%. Meat prices remained elevated, with mutton becoming 14.67% more expensive, beef 11.30% and chicken 10.98% compared with the corresponding week last year.

On a weekly basis, tomato prices rose 12.06%, followed by eggs at 5.98% and potatoes at 2.42%. In contrast, petrol prices declined 7.42%, diesel 6.10% and onion prices 1.70%. Of the 51 essential items, prices of 19 increased, nine decreased and 23 remained unchanged.

The year-on-year inflation burden varied across consumption groups. The highest increase of 11.33% was recorded for the fifth quintile, representing households with monthly expenditure above Rs44,175, followed by the second quintile at 11.14%.