New Delhi, 14 October 2014

India’s wholesale price inflation eased to its lowest levels in nearly five years at 2.38 percent during September compared to 3.74 percent in the previous month, aided by a moderation in food and fuel costs, government data showed Tuesday.

The wholesale price index (WPI) was at 7.05 percent during the corresponding month of the previous year, according to data released by the ministry of commerce and industry here.

Food prices jumped by 3.52 percent year-on-year during the month under review. The food inflation had increased by 14.03 percent in September, 2013.

Prices of vegetables plunged by 14.98 percent in September year-on-year. Onion prices decreased by 58.12 percent.

However, potatoes’ prices jumped by 90.23 percent. Fruits became dearer by 20.95 percent, while eggs, meat and fish became dearer by 4.12 percent year-on-year during the month under review.

Cereal prices were up 3.45 percent year-on-year. Rice was costlier by 6.87 percent. Wheat prices fell by 1.50 percent.

Fuel and power inflation rose to 1.33 percent in September as compared to 11.72 percent in the corresponding period of last year.

The prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) grew by 2.83 percent, petrol became cheaper by 9.42 percent, however diesel was costlier by 10.10 percent.

Manufactured products’ inflation rose to 2.84 percent in the month under review from 2.36 percent in September, 2013.

-IANS