BS EDIT: An improved index

By Business StandardPublished On Feb 13, 2026

Inflation under new series

January inflation stood at 2.75% under the new CPI (base year 2024), with food inflation at 2.13%

Why the revision matters

Updated weights reflect current consumption patterns, drawing on the 2023-24 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey

A more modern basket

More services included, online prices captured, and total weighted items increased from 299 to 358 nationally

Lower food weight, lower volatility

Food and beverages weight drops to 36.75% (from 42.62%), making the index potentially less volatile

Limited short-term policy impact

While projections may adjust, the RBI is unlikely to change its stance immediately; the repo rate may be near terminal

Improve data timing

With CPI and GDP base years updated, releasing key macro data during market hours would enhance transparency and efficiency