India’s retail inflation accelerated to 4.82 per cent in August on an annual basis, remaining above the Reserve Bank of India’s target of four per cent for the third consecutive month this year. The August inflation reading was higher than the 4.45 per cent recorded in July as food prices remained elevated.
According to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, inflation in rural areas increased to 5.23 per cent, while in urban regions it rose to 4.31 per cent. The food inflation rate, based on the All India Consumer Food Price Index, stood at 5.95 per cent last month, up from 5.52 per cent in the preceding month.
According to the data, the increase in inflation during the last month was mainly attributed to rising prices in personal care, social protection, restaurants and accommodation services, food, beverages and intoxicants. The top items showing high inflation at the all-India combined level included Silver, Gold, Diamond and Platinum Jewellery, Ginger, Onion and Garlic. In contrast, items with lowest inflation included Tomato, Potato, Car, Lady’s finger, Parwal and Kundru.
