Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has released its weekly inflation report, showing a 0.73 per cent increase in the overall inflation rate over the past week. Despite this rise, the annual inflation has dropped to negative 2.06 per cent.

According to the report, prices of 18 essential items went up, six items became cheaper, while rates of 27 items remained steady.

Among the items that saw a price hike were live chicken, which went up by Rs40 per kg, tomatoes by Rs8, garlic by Rs18, onions by Rs5.56, and potatoes by Rs3.

Sugar also climbed by Rs1.52 per kg. Other goods that became costlier included rice, lentils, diesel, yogurt, and mutton.

On the flip side, the domestic LPG cylinder saw a major drop of Rs302.23. Eggs fell by Rs2 per dozen, and moong dal dropped by Rs1. Chickpeas and mustard oil were also among the items that became slightly cheaper.

Despite a few price drops, rising costs of daily-use goods continue to hit consumers hard, making it more difficult for households to stay within budget.