Pakistan's weekly inflation rises slightly; food prices drive increase
Tomatoes, potatoes lead price hikes while chicken costs drop sharply
Business Desk
The Business Desk tracks economic trends, market movements, and business developments, offering analysis of both local and global financial news.

assorted food in sacks
Pakistan’s weekly inflation edged up by 0.02% for the week ending June 4, with notable price hikes in essential food items, according to government data released Thursday.
The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) showed increases in tomatoes (16.94%), potatoes (11.52%), onions (5.21%), bananas (1.57%), eggs (1.34%), sugar (1.24%), rice (1.02%), pulse masoor (0.65%), fresh milk (0.47%) and petrol (0.41%). Meanwhile, prices dropped for chicken (11.22%), garlic (3.71%), LPG (0.76%) and vegetable ghee (0.24%).
Just before Eid, poultry prices have seen a noticeable decline in several major cities, including Peshawar, Lahore, and Multan.
Year-over-year, the SPI declined by 0.02% compared to the same week in 2024.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for May 2025 reached 3.5%, the highest level this calendar year, driven by surges in food and clothing costs. Analysts project CPI to average below 5% year-over-year in fiscal year 2025.
With the central bank’s policy rate at 11%, real interest rates are expected to remain between 7% and 8% in the coming months. Analysts anticipate the Monetary Policy Committee will maintain the current rate in its next meeting on June 16.
Comments
See what people are discussing