India's April inflation climbs to 3.48% on rising food prices
India's April inflation climbs to 3.48% on rising food prices
April CPI at 3.48% driven by food costs; rural prices outpace urban as tomatoes surge and onions, potatoes deflate.
India's retail inflation rose to 3.48% in April, marking a 13-month high as food prices pushed the headline figure higher. The Consumer Food Price Index jumped 4.20%, with rural inflation outpacing urban as households in countryside areas feel more pressure from daily essentials. The reading marks the second straight monthly rise and sits near the RBI's target for price stability.
In the price breakdown, tomatoes surged, contributing to elevated food inflation, while potatoes and onions showed deflation, offering a mixed picture for shoppers navigating grocery bills. Beyond basic food items, prices for silver and gold jewellery also moved higher, signaling broader price shifts across consumer goods.
Analysts say the uptick underscores the challenge for policymakers as they balance growth with price stability. The development comes as India charts its economic path amid energy and supply dynamics, with the government signaling reforms aimed at strengthening resilience across sectors while the central bank watches inflation closely.
