Retail inflation at 8.83 per cent in Feb

 Retail inflation was at 8.83 per cent in February on account of higher prices of protein based items and edible oil products.

Retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index, was 7.65 per cent the January, as per the government data release here today.

Among other items, only vegetable prices saw a decline of 4.73 per cent over the February 2011 level.

During the month, the prices of egg, meat and fish rose by 10.62 per cent, while milk and its products turned costlier by 15.76 per cent, year-on-year.

While 'cereals and products' reported a moderate rate of price rise at 2.40 per cent in February, pulses and products saw a rise of 4.17 per cent.

Inflation in the 'oil and fat' category shot up 12.76 per cent and condiment spices became costly by 8.68 per cent.

Price of fuel and light, and clothing, bedding and footwear segments were in double-digits.The inflation rates for rural and urban areas were 8.36 per cent and 9.45 per cent in February.

According to the revised data, retail inflation in rural and urban areas was -- 7.28 per cent and 8.25 per cent in January.

The all India CPI is in addition to the three retail price indices -- for agricultural labourers, rural labourers and industrial workers --  prepared by the Ministry of Labour.