India’s wholesale price inflation rose sharply to 8.3 per cent in April 2026 on an annual basis, driven mainly by higher prices of mineral oils, crude petroleum and natural gas, basic metals and manufactured products, according to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on Thursday.
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation stood at 3.88 per cent in March 2026 and 2.26 per cent in February 2026.
According to the official release, the rise in inflation was primarily led by a steep increase in prices under the fuel and power category, where inflation surged to 24.71 per cent in April compared to 1.05 per cent in March.
The overall WPI index rose to 167 in April from 160.8 in March, registering a month-on-month increase of 3.86 per cent.
The primary articles category recorded inflation of 9.17 per cent in April, while manufactured products witnessed inflation of 4.62 per cent during the month.
Within the fuel and power segment, prices of mineral oils registered a sharp increase, while electricity prices declined marginally on a monthly basis.
Crude petroleum and natural gas inflation stood at 67.18 per cent in April, with crude petroleum prices alone recording an annual increase of 88.06 per cent.
Among food items, the WPI Food Index rose to 2.31 per cent in April from 1.85 per cent in March. Prices of vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat and fish recorded increases, while pulses and onions continued to show negative inflation trends.
The report also showed that manufactured products inflation rose to 4.62 per cent, led by higher prices in basic metals, chemicals and chemical products, textiles, food products, and machinery and equipment.
DPIIT stated that the provisional WPI figures for April were compiled at a weighted response rate of 96.7 per cent, while the final figure for February was based on a response rate of 97.3 per cent.
The next WPI data release for May 2026 is scheduled for June 15, 2026.
(DD News)
