Wholesale Price Index Inflation Stays Negative At -0.26 Per Cent For Sixth Consecutive Month In September

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation has continued to dwell in negative territory for the sixth straight month, with September registering -0.26 percent, mainly attributed to reduced prices of food articles, as reported by Indian Express.

This prolonged deflationary trend commenced in April and stood at -0.52 per cent in August, a significant contrast from the 10.55 per cent recorded in September of the previous year.

Inflation within the food articles category moderated to 3.35 per cent in September, following two consecutive months of double-digit inflation. In August, it was reported at 10.60 per cent.

The Commerce and Industry Ministry explained that the deflation witnessed in September 2023 can be attributed to declining prices of chemical and chemical products, mineral oils, textiles, basic metals, and food products in comparison to the same period the previous year.

The inflation rate in the fuel and power basket was -3.35 per cent in September, an improvement from -6.03 per cent in August.

Within manufactured products, the inflation rate reached -1.34 per cent, compared to -2.37 per cent in August.

Recent data released indicates that annual retail or consumer price inflation for September stood at 5.02 per cent, marking a three-month low.