Inflation has breached comfort levels and assumed ‘worrisome’ proportions in Pakistan as March saw a new round of increased prices of consumer items.

The inflation edged up to 9.1 per cent from 8.7pc in February, showed data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 15 (29.41%) items increased, 12 (23.53%) items decreased and 24 (47.06%) items remained constant.
The SPI (Sensitive Price Indicator) for the current week ended on April 1 recorded a decrease in the prices of Food items i.e. Chicken (8.44%), Tomatoes (5.70%), Onions (1.95%), Pulse Moong (0.84%), Potatoes (0.74%), Pulse Gram (0.24%), Mustard Oil and Pulse Masoor (0.15% each) and Pulse Mash (0.05%) and Non Food items i.e. Diesel (2.56%), Petrol (1.36%) and LPG (0.51%) with the joint impact of (-0.68%) into the overall SPI for the combined group of (-0.43%).
On the other hand, an increase was observed in the prices of Bananas (2.19%), Sugar (1.92%), Cooking Oil (1.23%) and Mutton (1.04%).
The year on year trend depicts an increase of 17.21% with most of the items increased mainly Chilies Powder (139.64%), Chicken (80.59%), Electricity for Q1 (69.19%), Eggs (42.26%), Tomatoes (33.96%), Gents Sandal (33.37%), Match Box (30.47%), Mustard Oil (29.43%), Gents Sponge Chappal (25.13%), Sugar (22.73%), Washing Soap (21.47%) and Vegetable Ghee 1 Kg (20.86%) While a major decrease was observed in the price of Onions (49.28%), Garlic (44.92%), Potatoes (11.11%), Pulse Moong (10.36%). Pulse Gram (4.20%) and LPG (0.67%).
SPI comprises 51 essential items and the prices are being collected from 50 markets in 17 cities of the country.
SPI is computed on weekly basis to assess the price movements of essential commodities at a shorter interval of time to review the price situation in the country.
Flights suspended at Dhaka airport due to fire: media reports
- 4 hours ago
Sultan of Johor Junior Hockey Cup: Pakistan lose 2–3 to England, fail to secure third place
- 5 hours ago

Pakistani delegation to hold talks with Afghan Taliban today: FO
- 7 hours ago

How Trump is paying the troops
- 7 hours ago
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia unveil GO AI Hub to strengthen tech cooperation
- 9 hours ago
Inappropriate, explicit content: Petition filed against 'Lazawal Ishq' in IHC
- 8 hours ago
Pakistan strikes camps of Kharji Gul Bahadur group: Tarar
- 5 hours ago

Leading the way for El Salvador’s digital future
- 7 hours ago

Four Khawarij killed in foiled suicide attack attempt in N. Waziristan
- 9 hours ago
Punjab extends Section 144 for seven days
- 3 hours ago

Breathing green: Punjab’s environmental transformation
- 8 hours ago

Too much sugar risks diabetes, BP in children
- 8 hours ago