Pakistan consumer inflation to remain stable in February — finance ministry

People buy dry fruits at a market in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 1, 2023. (REUTERS/File)
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Updated 27 February 2025
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Pakistan consumer inflation to remain stable in February — finance ministry

  • Inflation anticipated to remain within range of 2.0-3.0% for February, prospects of a slight increase to 3.0-4.0% by March 
  • Inflation has eased since last year with CPI coming in at 2.4% in January compared to 24% in the same period last year

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s consumer inflation was expected to remain stable in February and maintain a downward trajectory compared to the previous year, the finance ministry said in its monthly economic outlook report on Thursday.

“Inflation is anticipated to remain within the range of 2.0-3.0% for February 2025, however, there are prospects of a slight increase to 3.0-4.0% by March 2025,” the report said.

Inflation has eased since last year with CPI coming in at 2.4% in January compared to 24% in the same period last year.

Authorities have credited the downward trend to economic stabilization under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund program secured last summer.

An IMF mission is due to arrive in Islamabad next week for the first review of the global lender’s facility.

“The primary surplus is expected to improve further in the coming months,” the ministry said, pointing to one of the benchmarks identified by the IMF.

The report also said that foreign remittances, a crucial lifeline for Pakistan’s economy, were expected to rise.

“Workers’ remittances recorded robust inflows of $20.8 billion during July-Jan FY2025, marking a 31.7% increase over $15.8 billion last year,” the ministry said.


Saudi Mawani, Arabian Chemical Terminals sign $133m land lease for Jubail port storage tanks 

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Saudi Mawani, Arabian Chemical Terminals sign $133m land lease for Jubail port storage tanks 

RIYADH: The Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, has signed a contract with Arabian Chemical Terminals Ltd. to establish storage tanks for chemical and petrochemical materials at Jubail Commercial Port, with an investment exceeding SR500 million ($133 million) on an area of 49,000 sq. meters.  

The project will help enhance operational efficiency and increase handling capacity, in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub. 

This step forms part of Mawani’s efforts to strengthen private-sector participation in supporting gross domestic product growth and to reinforce the role of Jubail Commercial Port as a key driver of commercial activity.  

The project’s storage capacity will reach 70,000 cubic meters, boosting the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s ports at both regional and international levels. 

It aims to develop and expand storage capacity and support the export of chemical and petrochemical materials in accordance with the highest international standards, while strengthening supply chains. 

The project includes the establishment and development of specialized facilities for storing and exporting chemical and petrochemical products, as well as the provision of storage and distribution services for local and international imports and exports, in line with global quality and safety standards.  

It will contribute to supporting national supply chains, enhancing the Kingdom’s chemical logistics capabilities, and raising operational efficiency and capacity, thereby improving customer competitiveness. 

The initiative also supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting infrastructure development across the energy, industry, and supply chain sectors.