WPI Inflation Rises To 1.26% In April, Driven By Food And Energy Prices

As per the government data released on Tuesday, Wholesale inflation price-based inflation in India in April rose to 1.26 per cent, remaining positive for sixth month after remaining in the negative zone for seven months until October.

The inflation last month in March was, 0.53 per cent, while in April last year, the inflation reported negative.

The wholesale inflation in April rose primarily due to an increase in food article, electricity, crude petroleum and natural gas, manufacture of food products, other manufacturing.

The retail inflation in India meanwhile slightly decreased in March to 4.83 per cent from 4.85 in February.

Inflation in food articles from primary groups, which include cereals, paddy, wheat, pulses, vegetables, potato, onion, fruits, milk, eggs, meat and fish, and food products increased to 183.6 per cent in April from 183.6 per cent.

In the fuel and power basket, the rate of price declined by 0.26 per cent during the month.

The prices for day to day food items have increased in the recent months. Potatoes and Onions have seen a rise in cost, with potato prices jumping by 72 per cent and onion prices by nearly 60 per cent. The prices for eggs, meat, and fish have also increased.

The rate of price increases for wheat and milk has slowed a bit, now standing at 5.7 per cent and 3 per cent. Moreover, fruit prices dropped by 1.8 per cent compared to last April.

The food products and beverages also saw an increase of 1.25 per cent and 1.6 per cent and the clothing prices went went up by 2.34 per cent.