Inflation surges as weekly rate climbs 1.16%

As the Holy month of Ramadan begins, inflationary pressures intensified across the country, as the weekly inflation rate recorded an increase of 1.16 percent, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

The statistics office reported that the annual inflation rate has reached 5.19 percent, reflecting a steady rise in the cost of essential commodities.

According to the weekly inflation report, prices of 17 essential items witnessed an increase during the past week. Among food items, bananas became more expensive by 16.05 percent, onions by 3.83 percent and chicken by 5.49 percent.

The report further stated that garlic prices increased by 5.86 percent, while tomatoes recorded a rise of 3.82 percent. Prices of beef and mutton also moved upward during the review period.

In addition to food items, petroleum products saw an increase, with higher prices for petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Electricity tariffs and cloth prices also registered an upward trend over the past week.

The surge in prices of essential commodities ahead of Ramadan is likely to add to the financial burden on consumers.