Consumer price inflation rises to 4.41% in September

Consumer price inflation in the country, based on the consumer price index reversed is falling trend and rose to 4.41 per cent in September from 3.74 per cent in August, due to an overall rise in food prices, especially those of beverages and pulses.

Consumer price inflation was the highest for the rural sector at 5.05 per cent in September and while it stood lower at 3.61 per cent for the urban sector.

The government has also revised upwards the August retail inflation to 3.74 per cent from the earlier estimate of 3.66 per cent.

Consumer price inflation had fallen in August to 3.74 per cent on the back of cheaper vegetables, fruits and protein-rich items, official data released today showed.

However, consumer inflation for September 2015 has declined as against 5.63 per cent in September last year.

Food inflation during the month rose to 3.88 per cent from 2.20 per cent in August.

Consumer price inflation in pulses and products category rose to 29.76 per cent in September while the price rise in the food and beverages category almost doubled from a month earlier to 4.29 per cent in September. Inflation in cereals and products was also higher at 1.38 per cent.

Inflation in other protein rich items such as meat and fish, however, slowed to 5.59 per cent as prices have fallen. Eggs also turned cheaper with inflation at 1.19 per cent.

Likewise, milk and its products were also cheaper in September with inflation rate at 5.05 per cent.

However, the rate of price growth for 'cereals and products' was faster at 1.38 per cent.

Inflation in sugar and confectionery category remained in negative at (-) 12.91 per cent.

The price rise in spices category was higher at 9.27 per cent while for non-alcoholic beverages it was 4.32 per cent.