WPI inflation eases to 21-month low as pricing pressure softens in November

Fruits and vegetables, protein-rich items such as eggs, meat and fish drag down prices; Core inflation eases for seventh consecutive month to 3.5%

The wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation rate for November decelerated sharply to a 21-month low of 5.85 per cent, on the back of a higher base and broadbased easing of pricing pressure in food, fuel and manufactured products.

The data released by the commerce & industry department on Wednesday showed that food inflation also eased to a 20-month low of 2.17 per cent in November from 6.48 per cent in October, as fruits and vegetables, along with protein-rich items such as eggs, meat and fish dragged down prices. Meanwhile, the prices of cereals, wheat, paddy, potato, onion and milk products