WPI inflation dips to 10.66 per cent in September on lower food prices

WPI inflation remained in double digits for the sixth consecutive month. It was 11.39% in August. Inflation was 1.32% in September 2020

Wholesale price-based inflation eased to 10.66 per cent in September, helped by moderation in food prices, while crude petroleum saw a rise.

WPI inflation remained in double digits for the sixth consecutive month. It was 11.39% in August. The inflation rate in September 2020 was 1.32%.

“The higher rate of inflation in September 2021 is mainly due to increase in the prices of mineral oils, base metals, non-food items, food products, crude petroleum and natural gas, chemicals and chemical products etc. as compared to the same month. Last year,” the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.

Inflation in food articles eased for the fifth consecutive month, registering (-)4.69% in September, from (-)1.29% in August, mainly due to lower vegetable prices. Pulses prices continued to rise by 9.42%.

Inflation in the fuel and power basket stood at 24.91% in September as against 26.09% in the previous month.

Crude petroleum and natural gas prices rose 43.92% in September from 40.03% in the previous month.

Inflation in manufactured products stood at 11.41 per cent during the month.

The RBI, which primarily takes into account retail inflation in its monetary policy, kept interest rates unchanged at a record low earlier this month.

Retail inflation in September also eased to a five-month low of 4.4% on softening food prices.

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