Inflation in January rises to 14.6 percent, highest in 12 years

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has reported that inflation has risen to 14.6 percent in January from 12.6 percent of the previous month (December), scaling the highest level in 12 years.

Last time, the highest inflation in the country was recorded at 17 percent in the year 2007-08.

According to the data, an increase in food prices has been the largest driver of inflation in January. The food includes mainly wheat and flour, pulses, sugar, gur, and edible oil.

The data also observed that prices of essential food items, especially vegetables and fruits are higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.

In urban areas, food inflation increased by 19.5 percent in January on a yearly basis and 2.7 percent on a monthly basis. Whereas in rural areas, food inflation increased by 23.8 percent annually and 3.4 percent monthly, which shows that inflation is higher in rural areas as compared to urban areas.

Non-food inflation in urban areas was recorded at 10.2 percent annually, while in rural areas the non-food inflation was recorded at 10.5 percent.

The prices of LPG cylinders used for cooking purposes also witnessed the highest ever increase since 2013.