From Dawn · Mubarak Zeb Khan · · 1m 30s
Rising Flour Prices Fuel Weekly Inflation
Pakistan's short-term inflation hits 11.85% as wheat flour prices surge.
In brief
Pakistan's short-term inflation hits 11.85% as wheat flour prices surge. Pakistan's weekly inflation rose to 11.85% year-on-year due to higher wheat flour prices, driven by persistent energy cost increases. Originally reported by Dawn.
Weekly Inflation Data
Short-term inflation rose to 11.85% year-on-year in the week ending October 22, 2026, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
Inflation Drivers
Persistent increases in petroleum prices are fueling inflationary pressures across essential goods and services.
Price Changes
Of 51 essential items, 19 prices increased (37.72%), 12 declined (23.53%), and 20 remained unchanged (39.22%).
Key Price Increases
Liquefied petroleum gas prices rose 22.44%, chicken 12.20%, onions 4.19%, and wheat flour 1%.
Price Declines
Tomatoes dropped 21.99%, petrol 3.63%, bananas 2.42%, and potatoes 1.38%.
Annual Price Increases
Wheat flour prices rose 36.49% annually, followed by LPG at 107.12% and onions at 72.81%.
Price Drops
Tomato prices fell 71.72%, potatoes 40.75%, sugar 25%, and eggs 22.14% annually.
Previous Week's Inflation
Short-term inflation had previously risen to 11.38% year-on-year, driven by food price increases.
Government Policy
The government continues to raise petrol and diesel prices daily without easing petroleum levies.
Inflation Impact
Cost-push inflation from rising energy costs is increasing household financial pressure.
Next Steps
The government sets indicative wheat price at Rs4,500 per maund for 2027 to address food inflation.
The headline
Pakistan's weekly inflation rose to 11.85% year-on-year due to higher wheat flour prices, driven by persistent energy cost increases.
