The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), rose 5.19 percent on a year-on-year basis. For the week ending February 19, the index saw a 1.16 percent increase, largely driven by the surge in demand for food items as the holy month of Ramadan began. The SPI monitors 51 essential commodities across 50 markets in 17 cities to provide a weekly snapshot of the country’s price situation.
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The data revealed that prices of 17 items increased during the week. Perishables saw the most significant hikes, with bananas rising by 16.05 percent and chicken by 5.49 percent. Essential vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and garlic also saw prices climb between 3 and 6 percent. Beyond food, energy costs contributed to the inflationary pressure, as electricity charges for the first quarter surged by 15.41 percent, while petrol and diesel prices rose by approximately 2 percent.
Short-term inflation in Pakistan rose 5.19% year-on-year in the week ending Feb 19, the statistics bureau said, reflecting higher prices of perishable food items at the start of Ramadan. https://t.co/ZknaeTFzfh
— Arab News Pakistan (@arabnewspk) February 21, 2026
Despite the overall upward trend, 12 items became cheaper, providing some relief to consumers. Egg prices dropped by 11.78 percent, while wheat flour and potatoes saw minor decreases of about 2 percent. Prices for 22 items, including certain pulses and oils, remained stable. Analysts note that while some staples are currently cheaper than last year, the immediate pressure on fresh produce remains a challenge for household budgets during the fasting month.
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