Retail inflation at 3.48% in April 2026 on new CPI base 2024; food inflation 4.20%
On 12 May 2026 MoSPI said CPI retail inflation (base 2024=100) was 3.48% (provisional) in April 2026, up from 3.40% in March, with food inflation (CFPI) at 4.20%.
Summary
Retail inflation measured by the All India Consumer Price Index on base year 2024 was 3.48% (provisional) in April 2026, up from 3.40% in March, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation said on 12 May 2026. Rural inflation was 3.74% and urban 3.16%, while food inflation under the Consumer Food Price Index rose to 4.20% from 3.87%, and housing inflation was 2.15%. Silver jewellery (144.34%), copra and gold jewellery showed the highest item inflation, while potato (-23.69%) and onion (-17.67%) fell most. Prices are collected weekly by the NSO's Field Operations Division from 1,407 urban markets, including online markets, and 1,465 villages.
Key facts
- CPI inflation (April 2026)
- 3.48% (provisional); March 3.40%
- Rural / urban
- 3.74% / 3.16%
- Food (CFPI)
- 4.20%; March 3.87%
- Housing
- 2.15%
- Highs / lows
- Silver jewellery 144.34%; potato -23.69%, onion -17.67%
- Method
- Base 2024=100; NSO collects prices from 1,407 urban markets and 1,465 villages
Practice MCQs 2 questions
What was India's CPI-based retail inflation (base 2024=100) for April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 3.48%
Retail inflation was 3.48% (provisional) in April 2026; 3.40% was March, 4.20% food inflation and 3.16% urban inflation.
Consider the following statements about the CPI release for April 2026: 1. Food inflation (CFPI) was lower than headline CPI inflation. 2. Prices for the CPI are collected by the NSO from 1,407 urban markets and 1,465 villages. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Food inflation (4.20%) was higher than headline CPI inflation (3.48%).