Weekly SPI increases by 4.34% on a yearly basis for volatility of food prices

Pakistan’s short -term inflation, measured by the sensitive price index (SPI), increased by 4.34% on an annual basis (YOY) during the week ended on October 9, 2025, according to data released by the Pakistani Office of Statistics (PBS).

The annual increase reflects the persistent pressure from the increase in food and energy prices, even when the weekly trend showed only a marginal increase of 0.17%.

The PBS report revealed that the increases in chicken prices, wheat flour, onions and eggs were the main contributors to the latest uppick, while prices for tomatoes, bananas and potatoes recorded remarkable reductions.

The weekly SPI, which monitors the prices of 51 basic goods in 50 markets in 17 cities, showed prices for 21 figures (41.18%), a reduction in six figures (11.76%) and no change to 24 figures (47.06%).

The most notable increases were recorded in chicken (8.92%), onions (7.47%) and wheat flour (5.74%), three of the most widely consumed foods in Pakistani households. Other goods showing growth included eggs (2.25%), GUR (Jaggery) (1.70%), Garlic (0.86%), Ghee – 1 kg (0.86%), GHEE vegetables – 2.5kg (0.59%)

On the contrary, there was a significant decline in tomato prices, which declined by 11.34%, after a strong increase in previous weeks. Other data showing a decrease included bananas (1.29%), potatoes (0.93%), LPG (0.59%), Gram (0.35%) pulse and mustard oil (0.07%).

In all consumption groups, the SPI increased between 0.14% and 0.20%, indicating that inflationary pressures were felt on all income brackets. The highest weekly increase by 0.20% was recorded for the fourth quintors (upper average income households), while the lowest 0.14% increase was observed in the lower income group.

On the basis of Yoy, Spi increased by 4.34%, reflecting ongoing inflationary pressure despite recent stabilization in food and fuel prices. The data underlined sharp annual increases in various basic goods, led by tomatoes (109.82%), ladies’ sandals (55.62%), sugar (36.08%) and gas charges for the lower plate (29.85%).

Wheat flour prices (17.70%), Pulse Moong (15.90%), Gur (13.79%), beef (12.66%), diesel (12.57%) and vegetable (up to 11.86%) also showed remarkable hiking in the past year.

However, many goods showed prices relief compared to last year. Onion prices decreased by 43.16%, garlic decreased by 28.16%, electricity loads for Q1 by 26.26%, Pulse Gram by 24.97%and chicken by 24.30%. Potatoes (-18.51%), pulse (-18.17%) and tea (-17.93%) were also reduced.

PBS data suggests that while the inflation rate has been mitigated by last year’s high levels, food prices variability remains basic concern. Incoming seasonal shifts and changes in fuel and energy invoices could affect prices dynamics in the coming weeks.