Amidst the economic landscape of August 2023, the Ministry of Finance raised a flag of concern regarding the nation’s inflationary journey. Two significant fuel price surges and an upward adjustment in energy tariffs in the month were the culprits behind this apprehension.
In their Monthly Update & Outlook report, the Ministry emphasized the international commodity price outlook as a beacon of hope. Forecasts indicated that these international factors would help counterbalance the adverse effects of the local currency’s depreciation, providing a cushion against rising prices of imported goods.
A glimmer of optimism was found in the FAO Food Price Index, a global benchmark for food commodity prices. It registered at 123.9 points in July 2023, marking an 11.8 percent decrease compared to the same month the previous year.
Domestically, a silver lining came in the form of the high base effect, which offered a slight respite to inflationary concerns. Nevertheless, the Ministry remained cautious about the imminent months, with the fuel price hikes and energy tariff adjustments casting shadows over the economic horizon.
However, the report also offered a ray of hope for the latter half of the fiscal year (FY24). It anticipated that the cumulative effects of monetary tightening, the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts, and a more favorable growth outlook would collectively work to alleviate the inflationary pressures.
On the trade front, the report envisaged a gradual increase in imports in the forthcoming months. However, it acknowledged that exports faced both global and domestic challenges that might impede growth. Despite these factors, the current account balance was anticipated to maintain a similar level as observed in July 2023.
As Pakistan navigated the complexities of its economic landscape, the Ministry of Finance’s outlook offered a nuanced perspective, combining concerns with cautious optimism for the nation’s fiscal journey ahead.
Also, see:
Pakistan’s Inflation Sees Slight Dip in August 2023 Amidst Economic Challenges
Topics #featured #Pakistan #trending pakistan
