Weekly inflation rises 0.37% as chicken and fuel prices climb

Pakistan’s weekly inflation rate increased by 0.37 percent for the week ending March 5, 2026, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The rise was primarily attributed to higher prices of chicken, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and petrol.

The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), which tracks the price movements of 51 essential items across 50 markets in 17 cities, recorded notable increases in several key commodities. Among these, chicken prices saw the most significant jump, rising by 10.46 percent over the week. This made chicken the largest contributor to the overall increase in the SPI.

Energy costs also played a substantial role in driving inflation higher. Reports indicate that LPG prices increased by 5.61 percent, while petrol prices rose by 3.06 percent. Diesel prices also edged up, recording a 1.84 percent increase during the same period.

Other food items experienced price hikes as well. Bananas became 3.85 percent more expensive, while garlic prices increased by 1.23 percent. Beef also saw a price rise, though the specific percentage was not detailed in the available reports.

The SPI is calculated on a weekly basis to provide a short-term assessment of price changes in essential commodities, allowing authorities and consumers to monitor inflation trends closely. The latest figures highlight the impact of both food and fuel costs on the overall inflation rate for the week under review.

The data underscores ongoing volatility in the prices of everyday goods, particularly those related to food and energy. The weekly increase, while moderate, reflects the continuing pressures faced by households in managing their expenses amid fluctuating market conditions.