Inflation rate edges up to -0.21 per cent

The annual rate of inflation based on the wholesale price index stood at -0.21 per cent (provisional) for the week ended 22 August 2009 against -0.95 per cent (provisional) for the previous week reflecting a general rise in consumer prices, especially of food articles and other essential items.

The point-to-point inflation rate, however, continued to stay below zero per cent level despite the rising prices of essential commodities. The inflation rate stood at 12.76 per cent during the corresponding week of the previous year (ended 23 August 2008).

The build-up of inflation in the current financial year (beginning 1 April 2009) so far was 5.29 per cent compared with a build-up of 6.40 per cent in the corresponding period of the previous year.

The 52-week average inflation for the week ended 22 August 2009 was 3.9 per cent.

The official wholesale price index for 'all commodities' (base: 1993-94 = 100) for the week under review rose 0.8 per cent to 240.7 (provisional) from 238.8 (provisional) for the previous week.

The index for the `primary articles' group rose 0.7 per cent to 270.4 (provisional) from 268.4 (provisional) for the previous week.