India's Wholesale Inflation Rises to 11.39% in September on Higher Fuel and Food Prices

Data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed that the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for all commodities increased to 112.5 in September from 110.8 in August.

The ministry also said the final WPI for July remained unchanged at 110.0, with the annual inflation rate holding steady at 9.78 per cent.

Among the major categories, inflation in primary articles rose to 8.67 per cent in September from 7.76 per cent in August. Inflation in fuel and power climbed to 25.85 per cent from 22.93 per cent during the same period, while inflation in manufactured products, which carry the highest weight in the index, stood at 9.76 per cent.

The ministry identified mineral oils, food articles, crude petroleum and natural gas, coal and lignite, basic metals, chemicals and chemical products, textiles, rubber and plastic products, and electrical equipment as major contributors to wholesale inflation during September.

The WPI Food Index recorded annual inflation of 8.66 per cent in September, up from 7.05 per cent in August, indicating continued pressure on wholesale food prices.

Within the fuel basket, inflation in mineral oils reached 40.02 per cent, while crude petroleum and natural gas recorded year-on-year inflation of 57.32 per cent. The overall fuel and power index rose to 110.5 in September from 108.3 in August.

Separately, the Output Producer Price Index (PPI) for all commodities increased to 112.5 in September from 110.8 in August. The trial Input Producer Price Index (IPPI) for the manufacturing sector also rose to 106.1 from 104.2 the previous month.

According to the ministry, the final WPI for July 2026, based on the 2022-23 base year, was compiled with a weighted response rate of 98.97 per cent. The provisional WPI for September was compiled with a weighted response rate of 83.4 per cent.

The government is scheduled to release wholesale inflation, Output PPI and trial Input PPI data for October on November 16.