According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), prices of 18 essential items increased during the last week, pushing the weekly inflation rate up by 0.62 percent to reach 3.57 percent.

The steepest rise was recorded in vegetables and basic food items. The price of tomatoes jumped by Rs18 per kg, crossing an average of Rs140.

The cost of a 20-kg bag of wheat flour went up by Rs198, reaching an average of Rs1,829. Live broiler chicken rose by Rs15 per kg, climbing above Rs470. Similarly, sugar inched up by 25 paisa, averaging Rs181.59 per kg.

The report highlighted that tomatoes became 15 percent costlier, flour 12 percent, and chicken 3.36 percent. Potatoes rose by 1.5 percent, while egg prices increased by 1 percent. Prices of beef, garlic, LPG, clothing, and firewood also went up.

However, six items witnessed a decline, including lentils (mash, masoor, chana), bananas, ghee, and onions. Meanwhile, 27 items remained unchanged.

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Experts warn that as supply chains remain disturbed due to floods, inflation could climb even further in the coming days, creating more pressure on households.

The data shows a dangerous inflationary pattern where everyday essentials are becoming more expensive, led by vegetables, flour, and chicken. Although a few items like lentils, bananas, and onions provided slight relief, the overall trend suggests worsening conditions. With floods continuing to disrupt supply, the risk of prolonged and higher inflation is very real, raising concerns about affordability and food security in the weeks ahead.