Pakistan Inflation Eases in June Amid Record Interest Rates

Pakistan’s inflation eased in June for the first time in seven months as record borrowing costs dampened demand and lower commodity prices slowed price-gains.

(Bloomberg) — Pakistan’s inflation eased in June for the first time in seven months as record borrowing costs dampened demand and lower commodity prices slowed price-gains. 

Consumer prices rose 29.40% in June from a year earlier, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics Monday. That compares with a median estimate for a 30.8% gain in a Bloomberg survey and a record 37.97% increase in May. 

The latest print comes after the government slashed fuel prices in the past two months and the nation’s central bank unexpectedly raised its benchmark rate to a record high of 22% to tame inflationary risks arising from tax hikes and lifting of import restrictions. 

Last week, Pakistan clinched a last-minute nod from the International Monetary Fund for a $3 billion loan program after authorities completed key prescriptions to win the lenders approval. The funds will avert a default, ease shortages and provide some relief until elections.

Transport prices climbed 20.30% while food inflation rose 39.5% in June from a year earlier, the data showed. Clothing and footwear prices gained 20.96% and housing, water and electricity costs rose 11.64%.

Asia’s fastest inflation has been a concern for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government that will face the ballot in October this year. Pakistan’s inflation has consistently been over 20% in the last few months. Authorities expect price gains to trend lower to the medium-term target range of 5%-7% by the end of fiscal year 2024-25 amid elevated rates and funds from the IMF. 

(Updates with more details)

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