Inflation climbs higher to 6.09 per cent

Government data shows that retail inflation (year-on-year), based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), stood at 6.09 per cent in October 2026. Year on year food inflation, based on Consumer Food Price Index, for the same period was higher at 8.94 per cent.

Higher consumer inflation would make it more likely for the Reserve Bank of India to raise interest rates to keep prices in check.

Poor rainfall and increased heat due to El Nino conditions has affected groundwater storage in some regions where land is used for farming.

Prices have risen in commodities like onion, garlic, silver jewellery, ginger and lemon. Combined inflation for rural and urban areas has been higher than 6 per cent within segments like personal care, restaurants and food and beverages.

Transport inflation is at 5.84 per cent.

Among the larger states, inflation was recorded higher in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.