The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI)-based weekly inflation showed mixed movement during the week ended June 4, 2026, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The data reflects ongoing volatility in essential commodity prices across urban markets, highlighting uneven inflationary pressures affecting households.
The SPI for the combined consumption group declined by 0.56 percent, slipping to 355.55 points from 357.54 points in the previous week. This indicates a slight easing in short-term price pressures, although the overall inflation environment remains unstable.
Despite the weekly decline, year-on-year inflation measured through SPI surged by 14.75 percent, signaling persistent long-term price pressures in the economy. This shows that while short-term relief is visible, overall inflation continues to remain high and burdensome for consumers.
Inflation trends varied across income groups, with the lowest consumption segment recording a 0.32 percent increase in SPI. In contrast, higher-income groups experienced minor declines, highlighting that inflation continues to impact low-income households more severely.
Out of 51 essential items tracked by PBS, prices of 22 items increased, 10 declined, and 19 remained stable. This mixed trend reflects ongoing uncertainty in retail markets and inconsistent supply and demand conditions.
Sharp price increases were observed in onions, potatoes, tomatoes, LPG, cooking oil, wheat flour, and fresh milk. However, notable declines were recorded in chicken, garlic, petrol, and diesel, offering limited relief to consumers facing rising household costs.
On a year-on-year basis, significant increases were seen in petrol, diesel, LPG, wheat flour, and electricity charges, indicating strong pressure from energy and essential food categories. Meanwhile, some commodities such as potatoes, eggs, and pulses showed declines compared to last year.
Overall, the inflation outlook remains uncertain as global commodity prices and domestic supply chain challenges continue to influence market stability. Economists warn that inflationary pressures may persist in the coming weeks unless targeted policy measures are implemented to stabilize essential goods prices and support vulnerable income groups.
