According to a report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on October 23, 2026, the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) rose by 0.65 percent in the week ending October 22, while the annual increase was 11.85 percent.
The weekly inflation rate has increased once again due to the rise in the prices of essential commodities in the country. According to the latest official data, 19 items became more expensive, 12 prices decreased, while the prices of 20 items remained unchanged.
The highest increase in weekly inflation was recorded in the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which increased by 22.44 percent. Chicken meat became more expensive by 12.20 percent and onion by 4.19 percent.
Among other items, shirting cloth became more expensive by 1.86 percent, plain double roti by 1.66 percent and wheat flour by one percent. Prices of garlic, wood, ghee and some pulses also increased.
In contrast, the price of tomatoes decreased by 21.99 percent during the week. Petrol became cheaper by 3.63 percent, diesel by 1.68 percent, bananas by 2.42 percent and potatoes by 1.38 percent. Despite these decreases, the overall weekly index continued to increase.
On an annual basis, LPG prices increased by 107.12 percent, while onion prices increased by 72.81 percent and electricity rates by 58.59 percent. Petrol prices increased by 44.17 percent and diesel by 41.56 percent.
During the same period, chicken meat became expensive by 38.99 percent and flour by 36.49 percent. These increases indicate financial pressure on household expenditure, food items and energy consumption.
However, prices of all commodities did not increase. In the annual comparison, tomatoes were cheaper by 71.72 percent, potatoes by 40.75 percent and sugar by 25 percent. The price of eggs also decreased by 22.14 percent.
According to the statistics office, the sensitive price index is prepared on the basis of the prices of 51 essential commodities. For this purpose, prices are collected from 50 markets in 17 cities of the country.
The weekly index shows the change in prices in the short term, while the annual rate shows the difference in prices compared to the same period of the previous year.
The latest data shows that despite some items becoming cheaper, the increase in LPG, chicken, onion and energy-related costs has increased overall inflation. This fluctuation in the prices of essential items for consumers can affect household budget planning.
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