EconomyMonday, 14 September 2026·The Hindu - Economy
WPI inflation touches 9.92% in August 2026; food, fuel and manufactured goods drive price rise
India’s wholesale price inflation rose to 9.92% in August 2026, with food, manufactured items, and fuel and power pushing prices higher.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In August 2026, India’s wholesale price index (WPI) inflation rose to 9.92%, up from 9.78% in July, with food, fuel and manufactured items driving the increase, according to Commerce and Industry Ministry data.
Key specifics
- Food index inflation rose to 7.05% in August 2026, compared with 6.65% in July.
- Manufactured items inflation touched 8.37% in August 2026, described as a series high.
- Fuel and power basket inflation stood at 22.93% in August 2026.
- The Commerce and Industry Ministry cited mineral oils, food articles, basic metals, non-food articles, and chemicals as major drivers.
- The RBI MPC kept the policy rate unchanged at 5.25% and projected retail inflation at 5% for FY27.
Exam lens
MCQ focus: WPI vs CPI, sector-wise inflation, RBI policy rate, FY27 inflation projection; TNPSC may ask which group recorded the highest inflation or which ministry releases WPI data.