WPI inflation touches 8-month high of 3.93%

By Gogona Saikia

Dec 14, 2017

01:39 pm

---

What's the story

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to an eight-month high of 3.93% this November on the back of rising food and fuel prices.

In October, it stood at 3.59%, while it was 1.82% last November.

Economic data released recently has been worrisome: just two days ago, the consumer price index touched a 15-month high of 4.88%, going beyond RBI's estimates.

Food

Rising food prices drive up WPI

This last month saw steep rises in vegetable prices. For onions, a staple in most kitchens, the rise in inflation last month on annual basis was a whopping 178.19%.

The price rise of seasonal veggies accelerated to 59.8% compared to October's 36.61%.

Despite rise in price of eggs, meat and fish, the category grew 4.72% compared to 5.76% the previous month.

Data

The rise in inflation explained in numbers

For food items, WPI inflation increased to 6.06% (November) from 4.3% (October). The rise in manufactured goods in November (2.61%) stayed roughly the same as in October (2.62%). A Reuters poll had predicted a 3.78% increase in WPI inflation.