ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s inflationary pressures intensified this week as the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) revealed a sharp rise of 4.57%, marking the third consecutive weekly increase and sparking growing concern among economists and consumers alike.
The latest figures highlight significant price hikes in essential commodities, particularly food and fuel, which continue to squeeze household budgets nationwide. Staple items such as wheat flour, onions, tomatoes, and cooking oil saw notable increases, while fuel price adjustments further compounded the burden on transportation and production costs.
Economists have warned that if this trend persists, it could lead to a broader inflation spiral, potentially undermining monetary policy efforts to stabilize the economy. They emphasized the need for targeted interventions to address supply chain disruptions, manage fuel price volatility, and curb profiteering in local markets.
The rising inflation comes at a time when the government is already navigating fiscal challenges and negotiations with international lenders. Analysts caution that continued weekly spikes could erode purchasing power and intensify public discontent if immediate measures are not taken.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.