The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) based weekly inflation increased by 0.47 percent during the week ended on May 14, 2026 for the combined consumption group, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported Friday. According to PBS data, SPI for the week under review rose to 358.71 points as compared to 357.04 points recorded in the […]
Inflation
IMF sets new conditions, signals possible tariff hikes in Pakistan
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan under its ongoing financial programme, raising the total number of requirements to 55, according to its latest review report. Read More: IMF says Pakistan’s economic recovery holds despite regional risks The new conditions focus on tightening fiscal discipline, strengthening tax reforms, and improving key economic […]
The Invisible Inflation
Pakistan’s economic landscape is currently defined by severe inflationary pressures, with the average citizen bearing the brunt of escalating costs for daily necessities. While global market trends and macroeconomic indicators often dominate the conversation surrounding inflation, a significant and correctable driver of grocery inflation lies hidden within the structural mechanics of the country’s taxation system. […]
Senate panel raises alarm over sharp rise in medicine prices
A Senate standing committee on health has raised concerns over a significant increase in medicine prices in Pakistan, revealing that the cost of various drugs has risen by up to 100% over the past two years. Read More: Senators demand capping of medical test prices at private labs During a recent committee meeting, lawmakers strongly criticised the continued rise in […]
Inflation returns to double digits at 10.9% in April 2026
Pakistan’s headline inflation clocked in at 10.9% on a year-on-year (YoY) basis in April 2026, as shown by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data on Friday, a reading higher than the Ministry of Finance’s estimate of 8-9%. The consumer price index (CPI) was recorded at 7.3% in March 2026. The CPI stood at 0.3% in […]
Mortgage rates rise in the United States after three-week decline
WASHINGTON: Mortgage rates in the United States moved higher this week, ending a three-week decline as global energy market volatility and inflation concerns pushed borrowing costs upward. Read More: Rate-starved US banks happily gobble mortgage business According to the latest market update, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.3%, reversing the downward trend seen over […]
Govt raises petrol by Rs6.51 per litre, diesel prices by Rs19.39 per litre from May 1
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD), with the revised rates taking effect from May 1, 2026, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division. Read More: Petrol, diesel get costlier by nearly Rs 27 per litre Under the latest revision, petrol prices have been raised by Rs6.51 per […]
PSX falls as oil surge, rate hike pressure market
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) came under significant pressure on Thursday as rising global oil prices and concerns over monetary tightening dampened investor sentiment. Read More: Oil prices hit four-year high amid Hormuz tensions The benchmark KSE-100 Index experienced sharp volatility during the trading session, hitting an intraday high of 164,357.47 points before sliding to a […]
California governor described the war as a “meaningless war” in Iran
Gavin Newsom has called for an immediate end to what he described as a “meaningless war” in Iran, urging the US federal government to shift its focus toward domestic economic challenges. Read More: Punjab and California declared ‘sister states’ In a recent statement, Newsom criticised US President Donald Trump, holding his administration responsible for rising inflation and […]
Oil prices surge near $100 amid Iran tensions
Global financial markets turned cautious on Tuesday as escalating tensions linked to the Iran conflict pushed oil prices sharply higher, raising fresh concerns about supply disruptions and inflationary pressure. Read More: Oil prices surge as Strait of Hormuz closes again Brent crude rose by around 4.5% to $99.78 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed 5.3% to […]