Economy & Policy News
WPI inflation rises to 38-month high of 3.88% in March on fuel, inputs
Wholesale inflation surged to a 38-month high in March, driven by fuel, primary goods, and manufactured products, with analysts expecting further upward pressure
 "WPI inflation rises to 38-month high of 3.88% in March on fuel, inputs")
India eyes more LNG, LPG imports from US; both sides explore SMR ties
Modi and Trump spoke for 40 minutes on Tuesday, with American Ambassador to India Sergio Gor later indicating that the two sides are poised to conclude several "big-ticket" deals soon
 "India eyes more LNG, LPG imports from US; both sides explore SMR ties")
FY26 exports grew despite tariffs, but impact of West Asia war looms
Goods shipments in March at 1-year high, imports dip
 "FY26 exports grew despite tariffs, but impact of West Asia war looms")
Heavy coal use, RE growth to insulate India from spike in power tariffs
India's reliance on domestic coal and rapid renewable energy expansion could shield it from global power tariff shocks, even as fuel prices surge amid the West Asia conflict
 "Heavy coal use, RE growth to insulate India from spike in power tariffs")
China becomes India's top trade partner in FY26; deficit widens to $112 bn
India's exports to China rose 36.66 per cent to $19.47 billion during the last fiscal year, while imports increased 16 per cent to $131.63 billion
 "China becomes India's top trade partner in FY26; deficit widens to $112 bn")
Govt to provide ₹10,000 cr support for cities under ₹1 trillion Urban Fund
Government allocates Rs 10,000 crore for capacity building and credit guarantees under Urban Challenge Fund to help cities access market financing
 "Govt to provide ₹10,000 cr support for cities under ₹1 trillion Urban Fund")
Sergio Gor, Hardeep Puri discuss 'expanding access to American energy'
US envoy Sergio Gor and Hardeep Singh Puri discussed access to American energy and strengthening bilateral ties, a day after PM Narendra Modi's call with US President Donald Trump
 "Sergio Gor, Hardeep Puri discuss 'expanding access to American energy'")
Unemployment rate climbs to 5.1% in March, highest in five months
Unemployment rate rose to a five-month high in March as labour force participation and worker population ratio declined across both rural and urban areas
 "Unemployment rate climbs to 5.1% in March, highest in five months")
India receives Iranian oil for first time in 7 years before US waiver ends
Import-dependent, price-sensitive India has been acutely impacted by the upheaval in global energy flows since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began at the end of February
 "India receives Iranian oil for first time in 7 years before US waiver ends")
India's unemployment rate rises to 5.1% in March, led by urban centres
The Monthly Bulletins for April 2025 to February 2026 have already been released. The present Monthly Bulletin for March 2026 is the twelfth in the series
India's trade deficit shrinks to $20.98 bn in March amid Iran war risks
India's merchandise exports rose to $38.92 billion in March from $36.61 billion in February, while imports fell to $59.9 billion from $63.71 billion
 "India's trade deficit shrinks to $20.98 bn in March amid Iran war risks")
India-US trade deal: Official delegation to visit US next week for talks
The pact was initially slated for signing in March, but changes in the tariff landscape following a US Supreme Court ruling have altered the situation
 "India-US trade deal: Official delegation to visit US next week for talks")
Fuel pushes March wholesale inflation to 3.88%; highest in 41 months
The increased rate of inflation in March was primarily due to a jump in prices of crude petroleum & natural gas, other manufacturing, non-food articles, manufacture of basic metals and food articles
 "Fuel pushes March wholesale inflation to 3.88%; highest in 41 months")
IMF lifts India FY27 growth to 6.5% as lower US tariffs offset risks
IMF has raised India's FY27 growth forecast to 6.5 per cent, saying lower US tariffs could offset the impact of West Asia tensions even as global growth and trade outlook weaken
 "IMF lifts India FY27 growth to 6.5% as lower US tariffs offset risks")
Crude oil prices at $130 could unsettle growth outlook: S&P Global
S&P Global says crude at $130 per barrel could slow India's growth, widen fiscal deficit, raise inflation and strain corporate and banking sector performance
 "Crude oil prices at $130 could unsettle growth outlook: S&P Global")
Oil PSUs ramped up Russian oil purchases 148% in March amid supply shock
India imported hydrocarbons worth 5.8 billion euros from Russia in March
 "Oil PSUs ramped up Russian oil purchases 148% in March amid supply shock")
Govt rationalises fees for overloaded vehicles on National Highways
Government brings in a graded penalty system for overloaded vehicles on national highways, with fees up to four times the base rate to improve compliance and reduce road damage
 "Govt rationalises fees for overloaded vehicles on National Highways")
War impact: India's overall airline capacity declines 0.2% in April
West Asia tensions dent international travel demand, dragging down India's airline capacity in April despite steady domestic growth and rising fares
 "War impact: India's overall airline capacity declines 0.2% in April")
Charities, trade bodies come under Income-Tax Department scrutiny
Tax authorities flag certain receipts as 'commercial', citing possible violation of Section 2(15)
 "Charities, trade bodies come under Income-Tax Department scrutiny")
Fertiliser subsidy beats FY26 Revised Estimates, experts seek policy shift
India's fertiliser subsidy has exceeded FY26 Revised Estimates, prompting experts to call for policy reforms, including rational pricing, curbs on overuse, and bringing urea under the NBS regime
 "Fertiliser subsidy beats FY26 Revised Estimates, experts seek policy shift")