ISLAMABAD: The Federal Bureau of Statistics has released its weekly inflation report, revealing a 0.56% rise in the inflation rate over the past week.

According to the data, prices of 19 essential items increased, 12 decreased, while 20 remained unchanged. The report shows that the country’s overall annual inflation rate has now reached 4.07%.

During the week, tomato prices surged by 46.44%, while petrol rose by 1.72% and high-speed diesel by 1.45%. Prices of garlic (1.41%) and onions (1.22%) also increased, along with ghee, beef, mutton, yogurt, and cigarettes.

Conversely, chicken prices dropped by 7.96% and bananas by 0.78%, while prices of pulses, potatoes, cooking oil, and LPG also declined.

Earlier,Gold prices in Pakistan have climbed to another record high in line with the upward trend in international market.

According to the Saraffa Association, the opening price of 24-karat gold per tola stood at 410,278 while the rate for 10 grams stood at Rs351,751.

Gold is a valuable commodity widely traded in global markets. Known for its rarity and durability, gold has been used for centuries as a store of value and hedge against inflation. It is traded in various forms, including physical bullion, futures contracts, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Investors often turn to gold during economic uncertainty, as it tends to retain value when other assets decline. Major trading centers include London, New York, and Shanghai.