New Delhi, 12 May (H.S.): Retail inflation in India has risen to 3.48% in April, driven by higher energy costs linked to the West Asia crisis. In March, the rate was 3.40%, and this marks the sixth consecutive month of increase, taking consumer price inflation to its highest level in a year.

According to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the uptick reflects rising prices of food and beverages, clothing, housing, and utilities amidst the ongoing surge in energy costs due to the West Asia conflict. Using the 2024‑based series of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the NSO’s calculations show that food inflation rose to 4.2% year‑on‑year in April, up from 3.87% in March.

Official figures indicate that inflation in rural areas was recorded at 3.74% and in urban areas at 3.16%. The rise in inflation comes at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran remain high, and if the standoff persists, prices could climb further.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had last month projected inflation, measured by the All‑India Consumer Price Index (CPI), at 4.6% for the financial year 2026–27, with an estimated 4% inflation rate for the first quarter.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar