EconomyFriday, 19 June 2026·The Hindu - Economy
Retail inflation rises to 3.9% in May 2026; food prices push CPI higher
CPI inflation climbed to 3.9% in May 2026, driven mainly by food prices and higher fuel-linked costs.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 12 June 2026, MoSPI reported that India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose to 3.9% in May 2026, the highest in 16 months since January 2025, mainly due to food prices.
Key specifics
- CPI inflation in May 2026: 3.9%, up from 3.5% in April 2026.
- Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) inflation rose to 4.8% in May 2026 from 4.2% in April.
- Tomato prices increased 48.4% in May 2026, while onion deflation slowed to 2.2%.
- Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels inflation rose to 1.73% in May 2026.
- RBI’s target inflation rate is 4%, and the May 2026 CPI was just 0.07% below it.
Exam lens
Economy and inflation question type, CPI 3.9%, CFPI 4.8%, tomato 48.4%, and RBI target 4% are the key TNPSC one-liners.