Inflation rate in Pakistan increased by 10.9 percent in the month of April, which is the highest level in 20 months.
According to the data released by the Federal Bureau of Statistics in Pakistan, the highest increase in inflation was due to the increase in transport costs.
Due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war in the Middle East, oil prices increased internationally, which led to an increase in the prices of petrol and diesel in Pakistan as well, which significantly increased the costs of fuel, transport and energy.
According to the data, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached 10.9 percent on an annual basis in April, which was 7.3 percent in March. This is the highest level since July 2024. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, this rate has also exceeded the State Bank of Pakistan’s target of 5 to 7 percent. The increase came just four days after the central bank raised its policy rate by 100 basis points, taking the interest rate to 11.5%.
The overall increase in inflation was driven by transport costs, which rose to 29.9% from 12.5% ​​on an annual basis. Housing and utilities costs rose to 16.8% from 11.5%, while food and non-alcoholic beverages prices rose to 7.6% from 3.6%.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 2.5% in April, the fastest pace in nine months, compared with 1.2% in March.
Share this content:
