EconomyThursday, 18 June 2026·The Hindu - Economy
WPI inflation hits 9.7% in May 2026 after new 2022-23 base year revision
India’s wholesale inflation rose to 9.7% in May 2026 after the Commerce Ministry released a new WPI series with base year 2022-23.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In May 2026, India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to 9.7% after the Ministry of Commerce and Industry released a new WPI series with base year 2022-23.
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, released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Fuel-led inflation: crude oil and natural gas inflation jumped to 61.5% in May 2026.
- Mineral oils inflation rose to 49.8% in May 2026, while manufactured products inflation reached 7.5%.
- The government said PPI will replace WPI in 5 years, and released Output PPI, Input PPI and Service PPI for 7 services.
Exam lens
Question type: Index and inflation match-the-following, WPI base year, PPI transition, fuel inflation. TNPSC one-liner: remember 9.7% WPI in May 2026, base year 2022-23, and the 5-year shift from WPI to PPI.