Tea prices drop at utility stores

In the week ending on December 14, the prices of branded tea at Utility Stores in Pakistan experienced a notable decline, providing relief to consumers. The reduction in prices ranged from Rs60 to Rs110, with the Utility Stores’ spokesperson specifically announcing cuts in the prices of 800-gram, 430-gram, and 900-gram tea packs.

The decrease in tea prices contributed to a marginal decline in the weekly inflation rate, as measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI). The SPI for the specified week was recorded at 311.58 points, a slight drop from the previous week’s 311.78 points, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

Among the 51 items monitored, the prices of 19 items (37.26%) increased, 10 items (19.60%) decreased, and 22 items (43.14%) remained stable during the week. Noteworthy decreases in average prices were observed in items such as potatoes (12.18%), tomatoes (5.18%), and Lipton tea (2.57%).

However, the positive trend in declining prices was counterbalanced by increases in the costs of essential commodities. Sugar prices rose by 6.02%, and pulse gram witnessed a 2.57% increase during the same period. Other items experiencing price hikes included eggs (2.33%), rice irri-6/9 (1.54%), and georgette (1.16%).

Conversely, some items recorded decreases in average prices, providing a mixed picture. Mustard oil saw a 0.36% reduction, garlic prices decreased by 0.33%, and the cost of vegetable ghee in a 2.5 kg pack declined by 0.31%.

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