Consumer price inflation rises to 10.56 per cent in December

Consumer price inflation in the country rose for the third consecutive month, hitting double-digit at 10.56 per cent in December 2012, as retail prices of essentials like vegetables, edible oil, pulses and cereals continued to rise.

Consumer price inflation based on the general consumer price index (rural and urban combined) rose to 10.56 per cent in December 2012 from 9.90 per cent (revised) in November 2012.

The corresponding inflation rates (provisional) for rural and urban areas for December 2012 stood at 10.74 per cent and 10.42 per cent, respectively. Inflation rates (final) for rural and urban areas for November 2012 are 9.97 per cent and 9.69 per cent, respectively.

Retail price inflation in October was 9.75 per cent.

Retail prices of vegetables recorded the highest inflation of 25.71 per cent in December consumer price index (CPI), followed by oil and fats (16.73 per cent), sugar (13.55 per cent) pulses (13.46 per cent) and cereals (13.70 per cent). Meat, fish and egg prices also rose 11.64 per cent during the month.

Clothing and footwear prices were up 10.74 per cent.