Retail inflation eases to 4-month low at 4.87% in April

Retail inflation in April softened further and fell to a four-month low of 4.87 per cent as prices of food items, vegetables and fruits turned cheaper.

The retail inflation measured on the basis of Consumer Price Index (CPI) was revised upwards to 5.25 per cent from 5.17 per cent in March 2015.

Fall in food inflation was mainly driven by fruits, vegetables, milk and related products.

Food inflation, based on Consumer Food Price Index, fell to 5.11 per cent during the month from 6.14 per cent in March.

Prices of fruits and vegetables increased at a slower pace in April with inflation standing at 5.08 per cent and 6.63 per cent, respectively.

The rate of price rise in cereals and products was slower than a month ago at 2.15 per cent, while inflation in milk and its products was at 8.21 per cent.

While, the rate of price rise in most of the protein rich items remained higher in April with inflation in 'meat and fish' category at 5.5 per cent and 'pulses and products' at 12.52 per cent.

Egg prices continued a downward trajectory with inflation at (-)1.46 per cent in April.

However, the rate of price fall was slower than previous month's (-)3.47 per cent.
Among others, inflation in oils and fats category fell to 1.77 per cent in April, sugar and confectionery at (-)5.99 per cent, spices (8.70 per cent) and in non-alcoholic beverages it was 4.68 per cent.

Inflation in prepared meals, snacks and sweets category rose to 7.68 per cent.
Of other items calculated under CPI, inflation in clothing and footwear category came down to 6.15 per cent, housing at 4.65 per cent and food and beverages at 5.36 per cent, respectively.