Pakistan's Staple Food Prices Remain Elevated Amid Regional Disruptions

Pakistan's staple food prices, including wheat flour, edible oils, and pulses, have remained 23% above pre-Middle East conflict levels as of October 29. The prices reflect a combination of domestic market factors and higher fuel and import costs. Wheat flour prices saw a marginal decrease of 0.8% during the week, but overall remained 30% above pre-conflict levels. The cost of a basic food basket for a six-member household stood at PKR 18,669 per month, equivalent to PKR 4,667 per week nationwide. Petrol and diesel prices continue to be 46% and 45% above pre-conflict levels, with a marginal decline in petrol prices and a slight increase in diesel prices. Food prices remain elevated despite adequate commodity supplies and stable market availability. Regional disruptions to key shipping routes due to the Middle East conflict continue to exert upward pressure on fuel and domestic inflation.