CPI inflation eases to four-month low of 4.44% in February 2018

Core CPI inflation rises marginally to 5.04% in February 2018

The all-India general CPI inflation dipped to four-month low of 4.44% in February 2018 (new base 2012=100), compared with 5.07% in January 2018. The corresponding provisional inflation rate for rural area was 4.37% and urban area 4.52% in February 2018 as against 5.21% and 4.93% in January 2018. However, the core CPI inflation rose marginally to 5.04% in February 2018 compared with 5.00% in January 2018.

The cumulative CPI inflation was lower at 3.52% in April-February FY2018 compared with 4.58% in April-February FY2017.

Among the CPI components, inflation of food and beverages dipped to 3.38% in February 2018 from 4.58% in January 2018 mainly contributing to the decline in CPI inflation. Within the food items, the inflation fell for vegetables to 17.57%, fruits 4.80%, meat and fish 3.31%, sugar and confectionery (-) 0.26% and cereals and products 2.10%. The inflation also declined for milk and products to 3.83%, prepared meals, snacks, sweets etc. 4.47%, oils and fats 1.09% and non-alcoholic beverages 1.34%. However, the inflation moved up for pulses and products (-) 17.35% and spices (-) 1.01% in February 2018.

 

The inflation for housing increased to 8.28%, while that for miscellaneous items rose to 3.85% in February 2018. Within the miscellaneous items, the inflation for transport and communication 2.39% and health 4.95%, while it has eased for personal care and effects to 4.24%, education 4.05%, household goods and services 4.16% and recreation and amusement 4.25% in February 2018.

The inflation for clothing and footwear increased to 5.00%, while the CPI inflation of fuel and light eased to 6.80% in February 2018.

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