Inflation surpassed the government’s projections in December, reaching a high of 29.66 percent, as reported by the statistics agency. The surge in inflation affected various essential items, leading to increased prices for onions, pulses, eggs, sugar, and dry fruits.
According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics' monthly report, December witnessed a 0.82% increase in inflation. Notably, onions experienced a 31% surge, dry fruits rose by over 5%, while pulses and eggs increased by 5%, and sugar by 2.5%.
The report also highlighted upticks in the prices of wheat, flour, dry milk, and meat. Additionally, electricity tariffs rose by 16%, transport fares by 12%, and ready-made garments by 4% during December.
Fuel costs observed an increase of about 2.5%, but some relief was seen in the form of reduced prices for tomatoes, potatoes, tea, chicken, jaggery, ghee, and rice. Vegetables, fruits, cooking oil, and spices also experienced a relative decrease in prices.
The Bureau of Statistics revealed that, on an annual basis, food prices surged by 27.50%, beverages by 83%, and transport fares by 28.60%. Clothes and shoes prices increased by 21%, education by 13.52%, and health services by 23.36% over the year.
Moreover, housing, water, electricity, and gas charges rose by 38%, and recreational facilities became more expensive by the same percentage compared to the previous year, as per the Bureau of Statistics' report.
