The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation increased by 4% to 31.4% in September, compared with the increase of 27.4% in the previous month of the current year, data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed.

In the food sector, the price of sugar recorded an increase of 89.95%, wheat flour was hiked by 81.29%, condiments and spices witnessed an uptick of 78.77%, tea price was up by 73.03%, and gur increased by 68.98% during September.

Similarly, rice recorded an increase of 64.71%, beans 56.07%, dry fruits 49.16%, beverages 45.81%, milk powder 39.53%, pulse mash 36.39%, readymade food 35.29%, and the price of potatoes hiked by 34.55%.

In the non-food sector, electricity charges recorded a significant increase of 163.72%, textbooks 101.78%, and gas charges were up by 62.82% during the month under review while other items such as washing soap, stationery, household equipments, newspapers, and motor fuel also showed an increase.

On a month-on-month basis, CPI inflation increased to 2% in September 2023 as compared to an increase of 1.7% in the previous month and a decrease of 1.2% in September 2022.

CPI inflation in urban increased to 29.7% on a year-on-year basis in September 2023, as against an increase of 25% in the previous month and 21.2% in September 2022.

On a month-on-month basis, it increased to 1.7% in September 2023, with an increase of 1.6% in the previous month and a decline of 2.1% in September 2022.

CPI inflation rural increased to 33.9% on a year-on-year basis in September 2023, compared with an increase of 30.9% in the previous month and 26.1% in September 2022.

On a month-on-month basis, it increased to 2.5% in September 2023 as compared to an increase of 1.9% in the previous month and an increase of 0.2% in September 2022.