India’s Inflation Rises in September
In September, India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation rate increased to 5.49% from 3.65% in August, mainly due to higher food prices. Rural areas experienced an inflation rate of 5.87%, while urban areas saw a rate of 5.05%, indicating ongoing price pressures.
Food Inflation
The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) showed a significant year-on-year rise, with food inflation provisionally recorded at 9.24% for September. Rural food inflation was 9.08%, and urban food inflation was 9.56%, highlighting the challenge of rising food prices for households.
Housing and Electricity Inflation
Housing inflation slightly increased to 2.78% in September from 2.66% in August, affecting urban sectors. Electricity inflation rose to 5.45% from 4.91% in the previous month, with the All India Electricity index moving up to 162.5 from 162.4 in August.
Relief in Certain Food Categories
There was a decline in inflation for certain food categories, such as pulses and products, spices, meat and fish, and sugar and confectionery, providing some relief to consumers.
Doubts Revealed
Inflation -: Inflation is when the prices of things we buy, like food and clothes, go up. It means you need more money to buy the same things than before.
Consumer Food Price Index -: The Consumer Food Price Index is a way to measure how much the prices of food items have changed over time. It helps us understand if food is getting more expensive or cheaper.
Rural and Urban Inflation -: Rural inflation refers to the increase in prices in villages and countryside areas, while urban inflation is about price increases in cities and towns. They can be different because of how people live and shop in these areas.
Housing Inflation -: Housing inflation is when the cost of living in a house, like rent or buying a home, goes up. It means people have to spend more money on their homes.
Electricity Inflation -: Electricity inflation is when the cost of using electricity, like for lights and fans, becomes more expensive. It means the electricity bill might be higher than before.
Pulses -: Pulses are a type of food that includes lentils, beans, and peas. They are an important part of the Indian diet and are often used in dishes like dal.
