EconomySunday, 21 June 2026·The Hindu - Economy
Retail inflation rises to 3.9% in May 2026, near RBI’s 4% target
Consumer Price Index inflation increased to 3.9% in May 2026, driven mainly by food prices and higher fuel-linked costs.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In May 2026, India’s Consumer Price Index inflation rose to 3.9% from 3.5% in April, according to MoSPI data released on 12 June 2026.
Key specifics
- May 2026 CPI inflation: 3.9%, the highest in 16 months since January 2025.
- April 2026 CPI inflation: 3.5%, showing a month-on-month rise.
- Consumer Food Price Index inflation: 4.8% in May 2026, up from 4.2% in April.
- Tomato prices rose 48.4% in May 2026, while onion deflation slowed to 2.2%.
- RBI’s inflation target is 4%, and the May 2026 print was just 0.07% below it.
Exam lens
Inflation and index question, CPI 3.9%, CFPI 4.8%, RBI target 4%, MoSPI release on 12 June 2026 — TNPSC may ask headline inflation versus core inflation or food inflation drivers.