Weekly inflation in Pakistan remained in double digits, driven largely by energy and food prices, according to the latest Sensitive Price Indicator released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The indicator stood at 11.32 per cent higher than a year earlier for the week ended 29 October, even though it eased slightly on a week-on-week basis. The figures show that, despite some short-term relief, households continue to face substantially higher prices than they did twelve months ago.
The Sensitive Price Indicator, commonly known as SPI, tracks the prices of essential items for different income groups and is published weekly. It is often watched as an early signal of inflationary pressure, ahead of the monthly Consumer Price Index. In the latest week, the SPI index fell by 0.35 per cent week-on-week, to 373.51 from 374.84 in the previous week. A year earlier, the index stood at 335.53, which puts the annual increase in clear perspective.
Energy prices were the largest contributors to the annual rise. LPG prices were up by 106.86 per cent year-on-year, more than double the level of a year ago, reflecting both supply pressures and the broader energy market. Electricity charges for the lowest income quintile rose by 52.38 per cent, a particularly significant increase because lower-income households spend a larger share of their income on basic utilities. Diesel prices increased by 45.13 per cent and petrol by 43.61 per cent over the year, affecting transport costs and, indirectly, the prices of goods moved by road.
Food prices also contributed to the pressure. Wheat flour, a staple for most households, was up 34.87 per cent year-on-year, while chicken prices rose by 31.72 per cent. Staple foods matter disproportionately for household budgets, especially for lower-income families, because food accounts for a large share of total spending. When flour and protein prices rise together, the effect on monthly grocery bills can be immediate and difficult to absorb.
The week-on-week fall in the overall index, from 374.84 to 373.51, suggests some easing in the most recent week, but it does not change the annual picture. Weekly movements can reflect temporary changes in a small number of items, while the year-on-year figure captures the cumulative effect of price changes over twelve months. Analysts therefore tend to focus on the annual rate when assessing the broader inflationary environment.
The SPI figures come in a context where monthly consumer inflation has shown some moderation. Consumer Price Index inflation slowed to 10.3 per cent in September, according to the data cited in the report. That monthly figure, while still in double digits, is lower than the SPI annual rate, partly because the two measures cover different baskets and time periods. The comparison nevertheless shows that inflation, while easing from earlier peaks, remains elevated by historical standards.
For households, the practical impact is felt in everyday spending. Higher LPG and electricity costs affect cooking, heating and lighting. Higher petrol and diesel costs affect commuting and transport. Higher flour and chicken prices affect meals. Together, they squeeze budgets, particularly for families whose incomes have not risen at the same pace as prices. Low-income households, who are most exposed to utility and food price increases, face the sharpest pressure.
For policymakers, the SPI data underline the importance of energy and food supply. LPG supply disruptions, electricity tariff adjustments and fuel price movements all feed directly into the indicator. Food prices, meanwhile, are affected by harvests, supply chains, storage and market conditions. Measures that stabilise supply, improve distribution and protect vulnerable consumers can help moderate future increases, though they take time to affect weekly figures.
The coming weeks will show whether the slight week-on-week easing continues or reverses. Energy prices in particular remain sensitive to international markets, exchange rates and domestic supply conditions. Food prices will also be watched closely as seasonal factors change. For now, the latest SPI reading confirms a familiar pattern: weekly inflation remains in double digits, energy and food are the main drivers, and households continue to pay substantially more than they did a year ago.
Source: Express Tribune, 31 October 2026
