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India's Retail Inflation Climbs to 3.21% in February 2026

India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) based retail inflation rose to 3.21% in February 2026, marking a 47 basis point increase year-on-year. The inflation rate was higher in rural areas (3.37%) compared to urban areas (3.02%). Food inflation, measured by the Consumer Food Price Index, stood at 3.47% for the month. The states with the highest inflation rates were Telangana, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Key Points: India CPI Inflation Rises to 3.21% in February 2026

  • Headline CPI at 3.21%
  • Rural inflation higher than urban
  • Food inflation at 3.47%
  • Telangana among top states
2 min read

India: CPI inflation rises to 3.21% in February 2026

India's retail inflation increased to 3.21% in Feb 2026. See state-wise data, food price trends, and the next CPI release date.

"Overall, the headline inflation is an increase of 47 basis point on a year-on-year basis - Ministry of Statistics"

New Delhi, March 12

India's Consumer Price Index or retail inflation in February was recorded at 3.21 per cent, official data showed on Thursday.

Corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban are 3.37 per cent and 3.02 per cent, respectively, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation said in a statement today.

Overall, the headline inflation is an increase of 47 basis point on a year-on-year basis in February 2026.

On a month-on-month, there has been a decrease of more than 10 per cent observed in the index of Tomato, Peas and Cauliflower in February, 2026 with respect to January, 2026.

Inflation rate based on All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) for the month of February, 2026 over February, 2025 is 3.47 per cent (Provisional). Corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban are 3.46 per cent and 3.48 per cent, respectively.

Top five States (having more than 50 lakhs population as per Census 2011) with highest inflation in February, 2026 are Telangana, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, data showed.

Real time price data are collected from selected 1407 urban Markets (including online markets) and 1465 villages covering all States/UTs through personal visits by field staff of Field Operations Division of NSO, MoSPI on a weekly roster. During the month of February, 2026, prices were collected from 100% rural and urban markets while the market-wise prices reported therein were 99.89% for rural markets and 99.78% for urban markets.

CPI for March 2026 will be released on April 13, 2026 (Monday) or the next working day in case of 13th being a holiday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone living in Kerala, seeing our state in the top five for inflation is worrying. The headline number looks stable, but the ground reality feels different. Prices of daily necessities still pinch the common man's pocket.
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Priyanka N
The detailed data collection from over 1400 urban markets and 1400+ villages is impressive. It shows a serious effort to capture the real picture. However, I wish the monthly release also had more analysis on why certain states like Telangana and Rajasthan are consistently seeing higher inflation.
A
Aman W
A nearly 50 basis point increase year-on-year is not something to ignore. While it's under 4%, we must be vigilant. Global factors and monsoon performance this year will be key. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
The rural-urban gap is interesting. Rural inflation is higher, which affects our farmers and village households more. Government policies should focus on stabilizing supply chains in rural areas to bridge this gap.
M
Michael C
From an economic stability perspective, this is a positive report. Maintaining inflation around 3% while supporting growth is a delicate balance. The detailed market-wise data collection adds credibility to these numbers.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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