Retail inflation at 8.83% in Feb

Retail inflation was at 8.83% 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% the January, as per the government data release here today.

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

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

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

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

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% and 9.45% in February.

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