Inflation in the country has surged to a 10-month high, driven by the impact of recent floods.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), prices of 23 essential items rose during the past week, with food and household goods becoming more expensive across several regions.
The price of a 20-kilogramme bag of flour increased by Rs465, bringing the average cost to Rs2,294. In some cities, it was sold for as much as Rs2,500. This marks a more than 25 per cent rise in just one week.
Tomatoes saw an exceptional hike, with an increase of 46 per cent in one week. The average price reached 205 per kilogramme, with some markets recording sales at Rs300. The price of onions rose by 8.57 per cent, exceeding Rs80 per kilogramme on average.
Live broiler chicken also became costlier, reaching Rs540 per kilogramme. The prices of garlic, potatoes, moong lentils, bread, LPG and clothing also increased.
The national statistics office recorded a 1.29 per cent rise in the overall inflation rate during the week, pushing the annual figure to 5.07 per cent.
Among the few items that became cheaper were bananas, sugar and diesel. Four essential items fell in price, while the prices of 24 remained stable.
