There might also be a more direct impact on food. “Some elements of crude oil are used in fertiliser, and so there could be a cost implication in terms of food prices,” Benjamin Goodwin, partner at banking advisory firm PRISM Strategic Intelligence told the BBC.

Gold prices in Pakistan surged sharply on Monday, with the price of 24-karat gold rising by Rs13,300 per tola, according to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association.

The new price of 24-karat gold per tola stands at Rs563,862, up from Rs550,562.

Updated Gold Rates

24K gold (per 10 grams):

Increased by Rs11,402 to Rs483,420

22K gold (per 10 grams):

Rose by Rs10,453 to Rs443,151

Silver Prices Also Rise

Silver (per tola):

Up Rs188 to Rs10,050

Silver (per 10 grams):

Increased by Rs161 to Rs8,616

International Market Impact

The surge in domestic prices follows gains in the international market, where gold climbed by $133 to $5,411 per ounce, while silver rose by $1.88 to $95.66 per ounce.

Analysts attribute the rally to global economic uncertainty and heightened geopolitical tensions, which typically drive investors toward safe-haven assets like gold.

One in five UK grocery trips involves at least one missing item, adding up to roughly £2.1 billion in “displaced” sales, according to a report.

As a result, 44% of consumers say they have switched to another supermarket or added in a visit to an alternative grocer in the past year to find an item they need – rising to almost two thirds of shoppers under 45, a study by DHL Supply Chain and the consultancy Retail Economics found.

Almost six in 10 shoppers (59%) said availability is a main reason they shop across multiple stores, and one in three now prioritised availability over price, a survey of 2,000 UK households suggests.

Meanwhile, convenience stores accounted for around one fifth of grocery sales but made up almost half of all displaced spending because of gaps on shelves.

Some 63% of shoppers believe availability is worse in convenience stores.

Nick Archer, managing director of convenience and consumer at DHL Supply Chain, said: “The research shows that even small stock gaps can have a significant impact on how shoppers feel about a retailer.

“Despite the pressure on shoppers’ wallets, loyalty is being driven by more than price.

“In a market where customers can switch stores with ease, availability is much more than an operational metric. Being competitive in today’s market requires precision.”

Retail Economics chief executive Richard Lim said: “In today’s environment of busy lifestyles, hybrid working and smaller, more frequent shopping trips, customers expect to find what they need quickly and easily.

“This is not only limited to grocery, but in all retail sectors, from fashion to beauty.

“Convenience comes down to having products there when the customer needs them, and availability has become the clearest sign of reliability.

“Retailers who get it right will be the ones who earn trust and lasting loyalty.”