WPI inflation slips to 6-mth low

New Delhi: The wholesale price-based inflation (WPI) eased to a six-month low of 10.66 per cent in September, helped by moderating food prices even as crude petroleum witnessed a spike. Accordingly, the annual rate of inflation, based on wholesale prices, eased to 10.66 per cent in September from 11.39 per cent in August.

WPI inflation has remained in the double-digit for the sixth consecutive month beginning April, and a lower rate of inflation was recorded in March at 7.89 per cent.

"The high rate of inflation in September 2021 is primarily due to rise in prices of mineral oils, basic metals, non-food articles, food products, crude petroleum & natural gas, chemicals and chemical products, etc., as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year," the Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a statement.

Inflation in August was 11.39 per cent, while in September 2020, it was 1.32 per cent.

Inflation in food articles eased for the fifth straight month, recording (-) 4.69 per cent in September, against (-) 1.29 per cent in August, helped by easing vegetable prices. Spike in prices continued in pulses and egg, meat & fish at 9.42 per cent and 5.18 per cent, respectively.

Inflation in vegetables was (-) 32.45 per cent, with onion at (-) 1.91 per cent and potato at (-) 48.95 per cent.