Retail inflation at 3.40% in March 2026 on the new CPI base 2024=100
All India CPI inflation on base year 2024 was 3.40% (provisional) in March 2026, up from 3.21% in February, with rural inflation at 3.63% and urban at 3.11%, MoSPI said on 13 April 2026.
Summary
Year-on-year inflation based on the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) with base year 2024 was 3.40% (provisional) in March 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation said on 13 April 2026. Rural inflation was 3.63% and urban 3.11%; the final February 2026 figure was 3.21%. Food inflation based on the Consumer Food Price Index was 3.87% (rural 3.96%, urban 3.71%), and housing inflation was 2.11%. Items with the highest inflation were silver jewellery (148.61%), gold/diamond/platinum jewellery (45.92%), copra (45.52%), tomato (35.99%) and cauliflower (34.11%); onion (–27.76%), potato (–18.98%) and garlic (–10.18%) had the lowest.
Key facts
- CPI inflation, Mar 2026
- 3.40% (provisional); Feb 3.21% (final)
- Rural / urban
- 3.63% / 3.11%
- Food (CFPI)
- 3.87%
- Housing
- 2.11%
- Base year
- 2024=100
- Highest / lowest item
- Silver jewellery 148.61% / onion –27.76%
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What was the All India CPI (Combined) inflation rate for March 2026 (provisional), on base year 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 3.40%
Combined CPI inflation was 3.40%; 3.21% was February, 3.87% food inflation and 3.63% rural inflation.
The CPI data released by MoSPI on 13 April 2026 for March 2026 uses which base year?
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Correct answer: D — 2024
The release is for the Consumer Price Index on base 2024=100.
Which item recorded the highest year-on-year inflation at the All India combined level in March 2026 (CPI base 2024)?
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Correct answer: A — Silver jewellery
Silver jewellery topped at 148.61%, followed by gold/diamond/platinum jewellery (45.92%), copra (45.52%) and tomato (35.99%).