BeNewz
Related Articles
BeNewz Report
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s weekly inflation rose 0.47% during the week ended May 14, driven by sharp increases in fuel, tomato and wheat flour prices, according to the latest data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the week ended May 14, 2026 increased by 0.47% compared to the previous week, reflecting continued pressure on household budgets from rising fuel and food costs. The SPI monitors short-term inflation trends based on prices of 51 essential commodities collected from 50 markets across 17 cities nationwide.
According to the PBS weekly assessment, tomatoes recorded the highest weekly increase, surging 22.13% compared to the previous week. Prices of gents sponge chappals rose 16.69%, while ladies sandals increased 7.15%. Wheat flour prices climbed 4.94%, adding further strain on consumers already facing elevated food inflation across the country.
Petroleum products also contributed significantly to the weekly increase in inflation readings. Diesel prices rose 3.76% during the week, while petrol prices increased 3.73%. Analysts said higher fuel costs continue to impact transportation expenses and supply chain operations, feeding broader inflationary pressures across retail markets.
Among other food items, onion prices increased 2.98%, bananas rose 1.93%, and potatoes gained 0.74%. Prices of curd, fresh milk and sugar also posted moderate increases during the reporting period. PBS data showed that out of 51 monitored items, prices of 23 commodities increased, nine declined and 19 remained unchanged.
The report also noted declines in several essential food categories. Chicken prices fell 6.34% during the week, while egg prices dropped 3.83%. Garlic prices declined 2.20%, and LPG rates decreased 1.23%. Pulses including mash, gram, masoor and moong also recorded slight reductions in prices.
On a year-on-year basis, the SPI recorded a sharp increase of 14.52%, highlighting persistent inflationary pressures in Pakistan’s economy despite recent monetary tightening measures. Petrol prices surged 64.23% compared to the same period last year, while diesel prices increased 61.61%.
Wheat flour prices posted a yearly increase of 57.56%, reflecting continued volatility in food supply chains and agricultural input costs. Electricity charges for the first quarter rose 52.58%, according to PBS data, amid tariff adjustments linked to energy sector reforms and IMF-backed fiscal measures.
Onion prices climbed 50.06% year-on-year, while LPG prices increased 48.34%. Tomato prices rose 40.66%, reflecting seasonal shortages and transportation costs. Meat products also remained expensive, with mutton prices increasing 15.79% and beef prices rising 12.96% over the past year.
However, several items posted significant annual declines. Potato prices dropped 43.07% year-on-year, while pulse gram prices fell 21.33%. Chicken prices declined 20.67%, and egg prices decreased 18.22%. Sugar prices also fell 15.04% compared to the same week last year.
Economists said fuel price adjustments and utility tariff increases continue to drive broader inflation trends in Pakistan. Rising transportation and energy costs are feeding into food and consumer prices despite some relief in agricultural commodities. The State Bank of Pakistan has maintained a cautious monetary policy stance in recent months to contain inflation expectations and stabilize the external account.
The SPI is widely used as a short-term inflation gauge because it captures weekly price fluctuations in essential consumer goods. Pakistan’s weekly inflation outlook remains closely tied to global oil prices, domestic fuel adjustments and food supply conditions in coming months.
