ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) categorically rejected allegations of fudging in inflation figures, addressing concerns raised in some sections of the electronic and print media.
In an official statement released on Saturday, PBS clarified its commitment to transparency and adherence to standard operating procedures in compiling and publishing price statistics.
Contrary to reports suggesting that inflation figures were understated, PBS highlighted that the actual inflation for January 2019 was higher (14.6 percent) than the estimates by various researchers, which hovered around 13 percent. This discrepancy, the statement explained, underscores PBS’s unbiased approach to data compilation and publication.
The PBS emphasized that it diligently follows standing operating procedures regarding the time schedule for data collection. In the case of the reported higher inflation rate, PBS attributed it to the fact that prices were collected during the peak of a price surge in the middle of the month.
Addressing specific concerns regarding wheat flour prices, PBS clarified that the average price of Rs.47/kg is a weighted average calculated from varying prices (ranging from Rs.800 to Rs.1200) in different cities based on the availability of flour in the market. The city-wise prices of 51 essential items, including wheat flour, are available on the PBS website as an annexure to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Highlighting regional variations, PBS noted that in Punjab, the average wheat flour price ranged from Rs.800 to Rs.942 per 20 kg, while in Karachi, it reached the highest at Rs.60 per kg. In KPK, Sindh, and Balochistan, the average wheat flour price ranged from Rs.1000 to Rs.1200 per 20 kg.
Responding to comments regarding a 5 percent increase in rent, PBS clarified that rent prices are collected on a quarterly basis and computed using a weighted average approach based on data from small and large housing units. The year-on-year rent increase for the current quarter was reported as 5.63 percent, aligning with historical trends in rent increases.
To ensure the accuracy of data, PBS highlighted its use of real-time price data collection based on Android technology equipped with GPS, monitored at different levels. The entire process, from data collection to validation and publication, follows the best global standard Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP).
In conclusion, PBS emphasized its commitment to compiling data without political intervention, ensuring transparency in city-wise price data, and asserting that fudging of data is not possible within its rigorous framework. The statement aims to allay concerns and reaffirm public confidence in the accuracy and reliability of inflation figures provided by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
