EconomyMonday, 15 June 2026·The Hindu - Economy
Retail inflation rises to 3.9% in May 2026, highest in 16 months
CPI inflation climbed to 3.9% in May 2026, driven mainly by food prices and rising transport costs.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In May 2026, India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose to 3.9%, the highest in 16 months, after 3.5% in April 2026, according to MoSPI data released on June 12, 2026.
Key specifics
- CPI inflation increased to 3.9% in May 2026 from 3.5% in April 2026.
- Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) inflation rose to 4.8% in May 2026 from 4.2% in April 2026.
- Tomato prices increased 48.4% in May 2026, while onion deflation slowed to 2.2%.
- Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels inflation quickened to 1.73% in May 2026.
- Petrol and diesel inflation rose to 6% in May 2026, and transport costs increased 1.75%.
Exam lens
TNPSC economy question type: inflation and CPI components, MoSPI, CPI 3.9% in May 2026, CFPI 4.8%, tomato 48.4%, petrol and diesel inflation 6%.