EconomySaturday, 7 November 2026·The Hindu - Economy
RBI Bulletin flags broad-based food price rise; CPI inflation hits 23-month high of 5.5% in September 2026
The RBI Bulletin said food prices rose broadly in October data and CPI inflation touched a 23-month high of 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 had reached a 23-month high of 5.5% in September 2026.
Key specifics
- RBI data up to October 19, 2026 showed rice and wheat prices continuing to rise.
- Prices of major pulses increased sequentially, and edible oil prices rose led by mustard oil and palm oil.
- September 2026 CPI inflation stood at 5.5%, up from 4.8% in August 2026.
- Rural inflation was 6.1% and urban inflation was 4.9% in September 2026.
- Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Puducherry recorded inflation above 6% in both rural and urban areas.
Exam lens
RBI Bulletin-based MCQ, CPI inflation 5.5%, September 2026, rural 6.1%, urban 4.9%, Tamil Nadu above 6%; TNPSC may ask which commodities and regions saw the sharpest price rise.