Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 14: India’s WPI inflation rose to 9.92% in August, up from 9.78% in July. Food, fuel and manufactured products all recorded sharp gains. Global energy costs added further pressure.
India’s wholesale inflation rose to 9.92% in August. That compares with 9.78% in July. Food, manufacturing and fuel prices all climbed. Global energy costs added to the pressure. The Commerce and Industry Ministry released the data on Monday.
India WPI inflation reaches 9.92%
Wholesale price-based inflation accelerated for a second straight month. The rise came across food, manufactured items and fuel. Price pressures were broad-based rather than confined to one category.
Food inflation climbs to 7.05%
Food index inflation rose to 7.05% in August. It stood at 6.65% in July. Officials linked rising fertiliser costs with food-price spillovers. Fertiliser costs have added pressure on food prices.
Manufacturing inflation hits series high
Manufactured products inflation reached a series high of 8.37%. That compares with 8.29% in July. The reading shows cost pressures beyond energy and food.
Fuel and power inflation reaches 22.93%
Fuel and power inflation touched 22.93% in August. Mineral oils containing petroleum products were a major driver. The Ministry also cited basic metals and chemicals. Food articles and manufactured food products contributed too. Non-food articles were also flagged as significant.
Strait of Hormuz adds energy pressure
The WPI has trended higher through this fiscal year. The West Asia conflict has disrupted global energy markets. It led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Most of India’s crude oil arrives through that route. This pushed up global crude and fertiliser costs. Those costs have spilled over into food prices.
RBI holds policy rate at 5.25%
The Reserve Bank of India kept its policy rate unchanged. Its Monetary Policy Committee held the rate at 5.25% last month. RBI projected retail inflation, not wholesale inflation, at 5% for FY27. It cited a deficient and uneven South-West monsoon. El Nino conditions were also cited as a factor.
August’s data shows inflation pressures across several categories. Food, manufacturing and energy costs all contributed simultaneously. Global crude markets and monsoon conditions remain key variables ahead.
