The fall in the value of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar is expected to cause a surge in inflation, with petrol and diesel prices projected to increase by over Rs13 per litre due to the exchange rate, potentially reaching double digits if the dollar continues to appreciate. Additionally, the rise in dollar value will also lead to further increases in electricity tariffs, making the lives of citizens more difficult.
Short-term inflation in Pakistan increased by 25.34% on a year-on-year basis due to a surge in prices of kitchen items, although it decelerated from the previous week's rate of increase.
Consumers in Pakistan experienced a sharp increase in sugar and flour prices, causing further financial strain, as wholesalers raised the prices due to illegal channels of sugar export and hoarding, leading to fears of additional price pressures, while flour millers fluctuated prices based on the open market wheat rate.
Rising gasoline prices are impacting inflation-weary Americans.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is likely to recommend a hike in petroleum products prices in Pakistan due to an increase in global oil rates and depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar, with petrol expected to increase by Rs12 per litre and diesel by Rs14.83 per litre from September 1, 2023, leading to concerns of further inflation in the country.
High energy prices and strong economic growth could lead to a rebound in inflation, with prices likely hovering around 5%, according to a former White House economist.
The consistent devaluation of the Pakistani rupee is causing inflation and forcing the central bank to raise interest rates, leading to concerns about the economy and market confidence.
The caretaker government in Pakistan has raised the price of petrol by Rs14.91 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs18.44 per litre, bringing them to Rs305.36 per litre and Rs311.84 per litre respectively, due to currency depreciation and increasing international oil prices.
The recent increase in energy prices in Pakistan has led to protests over high inflation and electricity bills, with demonstrators burning utility bills, blocking highways, and attacking power company offices. The caretaker government has refused to lower energy prices without approval from the IMF, and has further increased petrol and diesel prices by over 14 Pakistani Rupees (PKR), surpassing PKR 300.
Consumer prices in the US rose 0.2% from the previous month, and 3.3% annually, indicating persistent high inflation and posing a challenge to the Federal Reserve's efforts to curb it; core prices, which exclude food and energy, also increased 0.2% from the previous month and 4.2% from the previous year.
Pakistan's inflation rate remained above target in August at 27.4%, driven by reforms linked to an IMF loan that have fueled price pressures and declines in the rupee currency.
Inflation in Turkey reaches highest level since December 2022, with prices increasing nearly 60% compared to last year, fueled by the depreciation of the Turkish lira and independent economists suggesting consumer prices have risen as much as 128%.
Summary: Rising oil prices and increasing gas prices, driven by the Russian-Saudi agreement to extend oil production cuts, are contributing to inflation concerns and putting pressure on the markets, leading to potential gains for oil stocks like ConocoPhillips and Chevron.
Millions of Pakistanis are facing the devastating consequences of an unprecedented economic crisis, with rising inflation, soaring fuel and electricity prices, and a weakening currency, leaving low-income households struggling to make ends meet.
Inflation is expected to rise in August as oil and gasoline prices increase, putting pressure on the economy and potentially leading to higher interest rates and a stronger dollar.
Americans are expecting high inflation to persist over the next few years, with a median expectation of 3.6% one year from now and estimates of around 3% three years from now, according to a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This suggests that sticky inflation may continue to be a concern, as it surpasses the Fed's 2% target. Consumers also anticipate price increases in necessities such as rent, gasoline, medical costs, and food, as well as college tuition and home prices.
Investors and the Federal Reserve will have to wait for inflation to return to acceptable levels, as the Consumer Price Index report for August 2023 shows consumer prices rising at half the pace compared to a year ago, despite a jump in gas prices.
The Consumer Price Index is expected to show an increase in inflation in August, with headline inflation rising to 3.6% and core inflation easing to 4.4%, but the market is accustomed to this trend and the Federal Reserve is unlikely to change its rates at the upcoming meeting.
Pakistan's central bank is expected to raise interest rates to address inflation and bolster foreign exchange reserves, following a series of rate hikes earlier this year in response to economic and political crises.
The latest inflation report is expected to show a steady increase in consumer prices, with economists predicting a 3.6% overall inflation compared to last year, indicating that inflation is gradually coming down but still remains above the Federal Reserve's target.
Inflation in the US is expected to accelerate again, with economists predicting a monthly rise of 3.6%, suggesting that price pressures within the economy remain a challenge in taming high inflation.
U.S. consumer prices are expected to have increased the most in 14 months in August due to rising gasoline costs, while underlying inflation is forecasted to remain moderate, potentially prompting the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady.
Rising energy costs are predicted to contribute to an increase in inflation rate, but it is unlikely to prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, though there may be another rate hike in the future.
Despite a spike in gas prices, the rise in inflation appears to be easing gradually, with core prices exhibiting a slower increase in August compared to July, suggesting that price pressures are being brought under control.
Gas and housing prices continue to rise, leading to a 0.6% increase in the federal consumer price index for August and a 3.7% increase for the year, causing concerns about overall inflation and its impact on household budgets.
Inflation in the US accelerated for the second consecutive month in August due to rising costs of rent and gasoline, with the consumer price index rising 0.6% from the previous month and 3.7% from the same time last year.
Wholesale inflation in the US rose more than expected in August, with the producer price index increasing by 0.7%, the largest monthly gain since June 2022, counteracting recent data that suggested price increases had been slowing down.
Producer prices rose more than expected in August, signaling further inflationary pressures due to a surge in energy costs.
Consumers' inflation expectations have reached the lowest level since March 2021, with expectations of a 3.1% rise in prices over the next year, according to new data from the University of Michigan, signaling a positive sentiment for the Federal Reserve's fight against inflation.
The short-term inflation in Pakistan increased by 26.25% due to a rise in the retail price of vegetables, particularly tomatoes and onions, caused by the closure of the Torkham border with Afghanistan.
The caretaker government of Pakistan has raised petrol and diesel prices to record levels, leading to a surge in inflation and impacting the prices of essential commodities, while the country continues to invest in and expand its nuclear weapons program.
The recent record-breaking increase in petrol prices in Karachi has had severe consequences for ordinary people, with many unable to afford fuel and resorting to alternative means of transportation, such as motorcycles or bicycles, while others contemplate selling their vehicles altogether.
The caretaker government in Pakistan has announced a historic hike in petrol and diesel prices, with fuel costing over ₹330 per litre, further burdening the public already facing high inflation.
Economists predict that Canada's inflation rate is likely to increase to around four percent in August, mainly due to higher gasoline prices, reversing the previous progress made.
Gasoline prices are rising due to oil supply cuts in Saudi Arabia and Russia, as well as flooding in Libya, but some experts believe that increasing oil prices will not have a significant impact on the US economy and do not expect them to rise much higher in the next year or two due to factors such as increased US oil production, slow global economic growth, and the green energy transition. However, high oil prices can lead to higher inflation, potential recession, and could influence the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, but the impact may not be as severe as in the past, and some experts recommend investing in the energy transition and adopting a more defensive investment strategy.
Pakistan's exports saw a significant increase of 22.45% in the first two months of the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching Rs1.27 trillion, while imports decreased by 2.42%.
Oil prices reaching $95 per barrel, the highest level since November 2022, pose a setback for Rishi Sunak's goal of halving inflation, with analysts predicting a 7.1% rise in consumer prices in August due to petrol price increases, adding to inflationary pressures and potentially influencing the Bank of England's interest rate decision.
