According to the latest data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the week ending on May 16, 2024, decreased by 1.06% compared to the previous week. However, on a year-over-year basis, the SPI increased by 21.22% compared to the same period last year.
The Combined Index, a critical measure for economists and consumers, was recorded at 309.25, down from 312.56 the previous week. This is in contrast to the 255.12 index value from the corresponding period last year.
Among the 51 items tracked, price trends were mixed: 39.22% of items saw price increases, 31.37% experienced price decreases, and 29.41% remained stable.
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Significant price drops were noted in tomatoes (31.18%), onions (21.84%), garlic (7.76%), wheat (5.48%), and petrol (5.32%). On the other hand, notable price increases were observed in cooked daal (1.96%), shirting (1.74%), potatoes (1.46%), beef (1.11%), and mutton (1.04%).
Weekly SPI changes across different income groups showed a uniform decrease, ranging from -1.02% to -1.17%. The lowest income group experienced the largest weekly decline at 1.17%, while the highest income group saw a decrease of 1.06%.
Annually, SPI increases across income segments varied between 14.54% and 24.58%. The lowest income group recorded a 14.54% rise in SPI, whereas the highest income group saw a 19.07% increase.
, the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the week ending on May 16,){kind=link}