Retail inflation at 4.6% in 2024-25, lowest since 2018-19; March 2025 CPI at 3.34%
CPI retail inflation fell to 4.6% in 2024-25, the lowest since 2018-19, and to 3.34% year-on-year in March 2025, the lowest monthly rate since August 2019, the Finance Ministry said on 16 April 2025.
Summary
Retail inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell to 4.6% in 2024-25, the lowest since 2018-19, the Ministry of Finance said on 16 April 2025. Year-on-year inflation for March 2025 was 3.34%, 27 basis points lower than in February 2025 and the lowest monthly rate since August 2019. The ministry listed measures such as buffer stocks of essential food items released in open markets, subsidised retail sale of staples, stock limits and lower GST on essentials. In India the CPI is compiled by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), with base year 2012.
Key facts
- CPI inflation 2024-25
- 4.6% (lowest since 2018-19)
- March 2025 (YoY)
- 3.34%, down 27 bps from February 2025
- Lowest monthly since
- August 2019
- Compiled by
- NSO, MoSPI
- Base year
- 2012
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What was India's CPI-based retail inflation for the full year 2024-25, as stated by the Finance Ministry in April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 4.6%
4.6%, the lowest since 2018-19.
March 2025's year-on-year CPI inflation of 3.34% was the lowest monthly rate since:
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Correct answer: C — August 2019
August 2019; March 2025 inflation was 27 basis points lower than February 2025.
Consider the following statements about India's Consumer Price Index (CPI): 1. It is compiled by the Reserve Bank of India. 2. It is currently calculated with base year 2012. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The CPI is compiled by the National Statistical Office under MoSPI, not the RBI; its base year is 2012.