Weekly Inflation Sees a 0.14% Drop, Breaking Four Weeks of Continuous Increase
Among 51 items, the average prices of 15 items increased, 13 items decreased, and 23 items remained unchanged.
Karobar
In the week concluding on January 25, 2024, the Weekly Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the Combined Group experienced a decline of 0.14% WoW, marking a significant shift from the four consecutive weeks of ascending price trends. Additionally, the SPI exhibited a YoY decrease of 43.79% compared to the corresponding period last year.
As per data disclosed by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Combined Index stood at 318.55, contrasting with the figure of 319 on January 18, 2024. A year ago, on January 26, 2023, the index was registered at 221.54.
Notable reductions were observed in the prices of Tomatoes (14.14%), Potatoes (5.06%), Onions (1.64%), Tea Lipton (1.19%), and Bananas (0.81%) during the week. Conversely, significant increases were noted in the prices of Chicken (3.31%), Cooked Daal (1.32%), Gur (0.98%), Tea Prepared (0.92%), and Pulse Moong (0.80%).
Analyzing the weekly SPI percentage change by income groups, it was found that SPI decreased across all quantiles, ranging between 0.33% and 0.08%. The Lowest Income Group experienced a 0.33% decline, while the highest income group recorded a decrease of 0.08%.
On a yearly basis, SPI change analysis across different income segments indicated an increase across all quantiles, ranging between 36.23% and 47.49%. The Lowest Income Group saw a 36.23% rise, while the highest income group recorded an increase of 41.95%.
The average price of Sona urea fell to Rs4,553 per 50 kg bag, marking a 1.28% decrease from last week's price, yet reflecting a substantial 64.76% increase compared to the prices of the previous year. Meanwhile, the average Cement price was noted at Rs1,212 per 50 kg bag, showing a 0.27% decrease from the preceding week but still representing a 16.31% surge compared to prices from the previous year.
