Key Takeaways
- SPI-based inflation increased by 0.99 percent for the week ending September 24.
- Electricity for Q1 saw a 18.76 percent hike, contributing significantly to the rise.
- LPG prices increased by 1.55 percent, adding to the overall inflation.
The Sensitive Price Index (SPI)-based inflation for the week ending September 24 recorded a slight increase of 0.99 percent, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The rise in SPI was primarily driven by an 18.76 percent increase in electricity prices for the first quarter (Q1), along with a 2.02 percent hike in egg prices and a 1.55 percent increase in LPG.
Other items that saw price increases included pulse masoor (0.75 percent), chicken (0.72 percent), and washing soap (0.59 percent).
In contrast, the prices of several items decreased, such as tomatoes (13.45 percent), potatoes (8.33 percent), and bananas (5.66 percent).
During the week, out of 51 items, 20 recorded an increase, 10 saw a reduction, and 21 remained stable, according to PBS data.
On a year-on-year (YoY) basis, the SPI showed an increase of 11.92 percent, mainly due to significant hikes in the prices of onions (115.98 percent), LPG (63.97 percent), and electricity for Q1 (58.59 percent).
Households with a monthly income of up to Rs17,732 experienced an increase of 0.85 percent, while those with an income between Rs17,733 and Rs22,888 saw a 1.28 percent rise.
For households earning between Rs22,889 and Rs29,517, the SPI increased by 0.81 percent, and for those earning between Rs29,518 and Rs44,175, it went up by 0.62 percent.
The highest income group, with monthly earnings of Rs44,175 and above, recorded a 0.77 percent increase in SPI.
