EconomySunday, 21 June 2026·The Hindu - Economy
WPI inflation hits 9.7% in May 2026 after fuel and manufactured goods surge
India’s wholesale inflation rose to 9.7% in May 2026, with the Commerce Ministry launching a new WPI series and producer price indices.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In May 2026, India’s Wholesale Price Index inflation rose to 9.7% after the Ministry of Commerce and Industry released a new WPI series with base year 2022-23 and wider coverage.
Key specifics
- May 2026 WPI inflation: 9.7%, the highest since at least April 2024 under the new series.
- New WPI base year: 2022-23, announced by the Commerce Ministry in June 2026.
- Seven services were included in the Service PPI: Banking, Securities Transaction, Insurance, Management of Pension Funds, Railways, Passenger Air, and Telecom.
- Crude oil and natural gas inflation jumped to 61.5% in May 2026, driven by fuel prices.
- Manufactured products inflation rose to 7.5% in May 2026, with five categories above 10%.
Exam lens
Economy and indices question, WPI 9.7%, base year 2022-23, Service PPI with 7 services, IMF-linked transition to PPI — TNPSC may ask which index is being phased out and why.