Pakistan's short-term inflation saw a slight decline in the week ending April 17, with the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) dropping by 0.69%, official data showed Friday.
The latest figures reveal significant price reductions in essential food items, including tomatoes, which saw the steepest decrease at 22.77%. Chicken prices fell by 11.05%, while onions and garlic dropped by 9.82% and 8.85%, respectively.
Other commodities that became more affordable include wheat flour (-2.37%), potatoes (-2.18%), liquefied petroleum gas (-0.89%), and vegetable ghee (-0.68%).
Conversely, the cost of several goods edged higher. Shirting fabric prices rose by 3.68%, while lawn-printed fabric increased by 1.47%.
Among food products, pulse gram saw a 1.03% uptick, cooked beef 0.74%, fresh beef 0.66%, and mutton 0.48%. Rice and fresh milk prices registered marginal increases of 0.02% each.
Compared to the same week last year, SPI has dropped by 2.72%, signaling a broader trend of inflationary relief.
To recall, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March slowed to 0.7%, down from 1.5% in February, largely attributed to declines in the food and housing index alongside base effects.
However, urban core inflation saw an uptick to 8.2% from 7.8% in the prior month, while rural core inflation remained in double digits at 10.2%.
Economic analysts predict CPI will stay within single digits on a monthly basis, averaging 5.1% for the 2025 fiscal year. With the current policy rate set at 12%, real interest rates are projected to hover between 8% and 9% in the months ahead.
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