The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Thursday that the short-term inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), dropped to 0.33% for the week ending on May 22, 2026. This marks a significant decline compared to the previous week's figure of 0.48%.
Weekly SPI Breakdown
The SPI for the week under review was recorded at 318.42 points, showing a decrease from 317.38 points in the preceding week. The PBS monitors the prices of 51 essential items across 17 urban centers to compute the SPI.
Price Movements
Out of the 51 items tracked, prices of 17 items increased, 12 items decreased, and 22 items remained stable. Among the items that saw price hikes, the most significant increases were observed in tomatoes (7.89%), onions (2.38%), and cooking oil (1.12%). Conversely, items that witnessed price declines included eggs (3.45%), potatoes (2.10%), and wheat flour (1.05%).
The year-on-year comparison shows that the SPI-based inflation stood at 10.23% for the same week last year, indicating a substantial easing of price pressures over the past 12 months.
Government Measures
Economic experts attribute the decline in short-term inflation to the government's effective measures to control prices, including improved supply chain management and strict monitoring of hoarding and profiteering. The Ministry of Finance has expressed optimism that the downward trend will continue, providing relief to consumers.
The PBS further noted that the SPI is a key indicator for policymakers to gauge the immediate impact of price changes on the common man. The government remains committed to maintaining price stability and ensuring the availability of essential commodities at reasonable rates.
