Islamabad (Turkiye Khabar): Pakistan has witnessed a record increase in short-term inflation, with the Sensitive Price Indicator showing a year-on-year rise of 14.52% during the week ending May 14.
According to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, weekly inflation also increased by 0.47%, indicating persistent price pressure despite tight monetary policy and economic slowdown.
The data shows that petrol prices have increased by 64.23% year-on-year, while diesel has risen by 61.61%. Similarly, flour prices rose by 57.56%, electricity bills for lower-end consumers increased by 52.58%, LPG by 48.34%, onions by 50.06%, and tomatoes by 40.66%.
Experts say that ongoing global instability and rising fuel and transport costs are also affecting food and transportation sectors in Pakistan.
Economist Dr. Jazib Mumtaz of the Institute of Business Administration stated that inflation is mainly driven by supply chain disruptions and rising transportation costs. He added that higher fuel prices have increased freight costs, leading to higher prices of imported goods.
He further said that regional uncertainty and panic-driven stockpiling have also contributed to price increases, suggesting that the government should consider reducing petroleum levies to provide relief.
On a weekly basis, the highest increase was recorded in tomato prices at 22.13%, while flour rose by 4.94%, diesel by 3.76%, and petrol by 3.73%.
Despite this, slight decreases were observed in chicken, eggs, and pulses, which were insufficient to offset overall inflationary pressure.
According to brokerage house Topline Securities Topline Securities, the Consumer Price Index in May 2026 is expected to reach 11% to 11.5%, the highest level in the last 23 months.
Experts warn that if the trend continues, economic pressure on middle- and lower-income groups may further increase in the coming months.
