EconomySunday, 1 November 2026·The Hindu - Economy
RBI Bulletin flags broad-based food inflation; CPI rises to 23-month high of 5.5% in September 2026
The RBI Bulletin for October 2026 said food prices rose broadly, while CPI inflation touched 5.5% in September 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In October 2026, the Reserve Bank of India’s Bulletin said high-frequency data up to October 19 showed a broad-based rise in food prices, while CPI inflation in September 2026 climbed to a 23-month high of 5.5%.
Key specifics
- RBI officials said rice and wheat prices continued to increase in October 2026, and major pulses also rose sequentially.
- Edible oil prices showed a slow but broad-based increase, led by mustard oil and palm oil.
- September 2026 CPI inflation was 5.5%, up from 4.8% in August 2026.
- Rural inflation stood at 6.1% in September 2026, higher than urban inflation at 4.9%.
- Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Puducherry recorded inflation above 6% in both rural and urban areas in September 2026.
Exam lens
Economy and inflation question type: CPI vs WPI, rural-urban inflation, and state-wise inflation; remember 5.5% CPI, 11.4% WPI, and Tamil Nadu among the states above 6%.