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Retail inflation surges to 3.93% in May on higher food, fuel prices
Jun-12-2026

Retail inflation, measured by the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) with the base year 2024, surged to 3.93% (Provisional) in May 2026 from 3.48% (Final) in April 2026, primarily due to rising food and fuel prices. The latest reading marks the fourth consecutive monthly increase in inflation. Nevertheless, CPI inflation remains within the Reserve Bank of India's target range of 2%-6% and is gradually approaching the central bank's medium-term target of 4%. Meanwhile, CPI inflation for Rural and Urban rose to 4.25% and 3.53% in May 2026, from 3.74% and 3.16% in April 2026, respectively. Moreover, the index value for CPI for rural, urban and combined stood at 106.11, 105.66 and 105.91, respectively, for the month of May 2026.

Food inflation, measured by the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), rose to 4.78% (Provisional) for May 2026 as compared to 4.20% (Final) in April 2026. Corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban stood at 4.85% and 4.66%, respectively in May 2026, as compared to 4.26% and 4.10%, respectively in April 2026. Index value for CFPI for rural, urban and combined stood at 105.07, 105.83 and 105.35, respectively, for May 2026. Besides, Housing inflation rate for the month of May 2026 stood 2.12% (Provisional) and the corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban were 2.73% and 1.91%, respectively.

Top five key items with low inflation at All India combined level in May 2026 were Potato at (-)23.71% as against (-)23.66% in April 2026, Peas at (-)11.47% in May 2026 as against (-)6.54% in April 2026, Motor car and jeep at (-)7.19% in May 2026 as against (-)7.12% in April 2026, Cumin (jeera) at (-)4.59% in May 2026 as against (-)5.03% in April 2026, and Motor cycle and scooter at (-)3.56% in May 2026 as against (-)3.61%  in April 2026.

Top five key items with high inflation at All India combined level in May 2026 were Silver Jewellery at 155.23% as against 144.36% in April 2026, Tomato at 48.43% in May 2026 as against 35.26% in April 2026, Gold/Diamond/Platinum Jewellery at 40.93% in May 2026 as against 40.74% in April 2026, Ginger at 32.49% in May 2026 as against 14.36% in April 2026, and Raisin (kishmish) and monacca at 21.97% in May 2026 as against 23.96% in April 2026.

Moreover, inflation in Food and beverages increased to 4.55% in May 2026 from 4.01% in April 2026, inflation in Paan, tobacco and intoxicants increased to 4.83% in May 2026 from 4.76% in April 2026, inflation in Clothing and footwear increased to 2.98% in May 2026 from 2.80% in April 2026. Also, inflation in Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels inched up to 1.73% in May 2026 from 1.71% in April 2026.

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