India wholesale inflation rises to 0.83% in Dec 2025 against -0.32% in Nov

December 2025 WPI-based inflation: Positive rate is due to an increase in prices of other manufacturing, minerals, and the manufacturing of machinery and equipment

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-linked inflation rose to 0.83 per cent in December 2025, from -0.32 per cent in November, according to the data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday.

 

The positive rate of inflation in December 2025 is primarily due to an increase in prices of other manufacturing, minerals, manufacture of machinery and equipment, manufacture of food products and textiles, among others.

 

The deflationary trend in November last year marked the second consecutive monthly decline in wholesale prices, though at a softer pace, after October recorded the steepest fall since July 2023. The softer decline was mainly driven by a moderate fall in food prices.

 

December WPI food index

Food prices rose slightly in December 2025, with the rate of inflation rising 0 per cent in December from -2.60 per cent in November.

 

A significant increase in inflation was seen among oil seeds and minerals, rising 14.82 per cent and 11.86 per cent, respectively. Prices of milk, eggs, meat, fish, and fruits also rose during December.

 

However, there was a decline in prices of vegetables (-3.50 per cent), pulses (-13.88 per cent) and wheat (-1.58 per cent). Maximum deflation was visible in the prices of onion and potato, falling 54.40 per cent and 38.21 per cent, respectively.

Primary articles become expensive

Prices of primary articles, which include farm produce, minerals, and non-food items, rose in December. Within this group, prices of non-food articles, minerals, and food articles increased. However, prices of crude petroleum and natural gas fell slightly during the month.

Fuel, power and manufactured products

Fuel and power prices also went up in December. Higher electricity prices were the main reason for the increase, along with a rise in coal and mineral oil prices.

 

Meanwhile, prices of manufactured products rose marginally in December. Out of 22 manufacturing groups, prices increased in 13 groups, such as metals, chemicals, textiles, and other manufacturing products.

 

The costs fell in eight groups, including rubber and plastic goods, food products, electronics, paper products, and beverages. It remained unchanged in one group.

December 2025 CPI inflation rises to 1.66%

Meanwhile, the retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 1.66 per cent in December 2025, up from 0.71 per cent in November. The rise in inflation was mainly due to higher prices of items such as personal care products, meat and fish, eggs, spices, sugar, and confectionery.

 

Personal care prices saw the sharpest increase, rising 28.07 per cent in December. Prices of meat and fish rose 5.12 per cent, while egg prices increased 4.76 per cent.