Noida, May 14 (APAC Media): Wholesale price index (WPI) inflation surged to 8.30% in April, up from 3.88% in March, driven by a sharp rise in fuel, power and crude petroleum prices, official data showed.
WPI-based inflation in the fuel and power segment surged to 24.71% in April, compared to 1.05% in March, while crude petroleum inflation climbed to 88.06% from 51.5% in the previous month.
The surge in WPI inflation is attributed to the West Asia crisis and disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which most of India’s crude oil imports are transported.
Inflation in food articles stood at 1.98% in April, marginally higher than 1.90% in March. In non-food articles, inflation increased to 12.18% in April from 11.5% in the previous month, according to data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry.
“The positive inflation rate in April 2026 was mainly driven by higher prices of mineral oils, crude petroleum and natural gas, basic metals, other manufacturing products and non-food articles,” the ministry said.
Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India for the Month of April 2026 (Base Year: 2011-12)
🌀The annual rate of inflation based on All India Wholesale Price Index (WPI) stood at 8.3% (provisional) in April 2026 (over April 2025)
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Inflation in primary articles climbed to 9.17% in April from 6.36% in March, after fluctuating between (-) 2.53% in November and 3.21% in February.
“With the war showing no signs of abatement, even under the so-called ceasefire conditions, prices are likely to remain in the range of $100–120 per barrel, which would keep WPI inflation elevated,” said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda.
Food article inflation edged up to 1.98% in April from 1.90% in March, while non-food articles rose to 12.18% from 11.50%, according to the data.
Within fuel and power, inflation surged to 24.71 % in April from 1.05 % in March after remaining in a negative zone in previous months. Manufactured products inflation increased to 4.62% from 3.39% during the same period.
Among key fuel items, LPG inflation rose to 10.92% in April from (-) 1.54% in March, petrol inflation jumped to 32.40% from 2.50%, and high-speed diesel (HSD) inflation climbed to 25.19% from 3.26%.
Crude petroleum and natural gas inflation surged sharply to 67.18% in April from 35.98% in March, while crude petroleum inflation rose to 88.06% from 51.57%.
The data also showed broad-based increases across manufactured segments, including basic metals, chemicals, textiles, and food products, over the six-month period ending April 2026.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are those of experts and do not reflect APAC Media. This is for informational purposes only, not financial advice. We are not responsible for investment decisions. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before investing.
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