Decrease in Weekly SPI Inflation by 1.34 Percent
Prices of several essential food items and utilities have seen changes in the past week, according to the latest data from the Sensitive Price Index (SPI).
The SPI for the week ended on September 18 decreased by 1.34 percent, recording an overall value of 330.84. This marks the fourth consecutive week of decline in the SPI.
Among the items that saw a decrease in price, wheat flour experienced a drop of 2.60 percent, pulses like masoor and mash decreased by 0.64 percent and 20.95 percent respectively, and garlic saw a significant decrease of 27.50 percent.
However, there were some items that witnessed an increase in price, such as eggs, which went up by 0.91 percent, georgette (0.83 percent), firewood (0.59 percent), and diesel (1.06 percent).
Notably, the prices of chicken decreased by a substantial 12.74 percent, and bananas by 5.07 percent. Onions, another staple food, saw a decrease of 1.17 percent.
In the energy sector, electricity charges for Q1 decreased by a substantial 26.26 percent, providing some relief to consumers.
Regarding perishable items like tomatoes and onions, their supply has improved, leading to a decrease in their prices by 23.11 percent and 38.23 percent respectively.
For different expenditure groups, the SPI for the bracket up to Rs17,732 decreased by 1.43 percent to 322.71 points, while the group from Rs29,518 to Rs44,175 saw a decline of 1.34 percent, with the SPI at 329.64 points. The expenditure group of Rs17,732 to Rs22,888 also experienced a decrease of 1.59 percent.
Meanwhile, regions in Punjab province, Pakistan's food basket, continue to face significant problems due to flooding, causing higher food prices and limited market access. In contrast, some flood-affected areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are primarily facing acute malnutrition risks related to poor dietary diversity and sanitation.
In other news, the prices of rice IRRI-6/9 increased by 0.78 percent, while pulses like moong and gram decreased by 0.10 percent and 21.45 percent respectively. The prices of tea Lipton also decreased by 17.93 percent.
Out of 51 items, prices of 18 items increased, 14 items decreased, and 19 items remained stable.
The SPI for the monthly expenditure group above Rs44,175 registered a 1.23 percent decrease, with SPI standing at 329.64 points.
This week's SPI update provides a mixed picture of price trends, with some items experiencing a decrease, while others have seen an increase. Consumers are advised to stay informed about price changes and make necessary adjustments to their budgets accordingly.
