Retail inflation rises to 3.93% in May; food inflation climbs to 4.78%
New Delhi, June 12
India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index, rose to 3.93 per cent in May from 3.48 per cent in April, according to data released by the National Statistics Office on Friday.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) said, "Year-on-year inflation rate based on All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) with base year 2024 for the month of May, 2026 over May, 2025 is 3.93% (Provisional)." The corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban areas stood at 4.25 per cent and 3.53 per cent, respectively.
Food inflation also moved higher during the month. According to the release, "Year-on-year inflation rate based on All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) for the month of May, 2026 over May, 2025 is 4.78% (Provisional)." Rural food inflation was recorded at 4.85 per cent, while urban food inflation stood at 4.66 per cent.
Among major expenditure categories, food and beverages inflation stood at 4.55 per cent, while restaurants and accommodation services recorded inflation of 5.75 per cent. Personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services witnessed the highest inflation among broad divisions at 18.46 per cent.
Housing inflation was recorded at 2.12 per cent during May. The release said, "Year-on-year Housing inflation rate for the month of May, 2026 is 2.12% (Provisional)," with rural and urban housing inflation at 2.73 per cent and 1.91 per cent, respectively.
At the item level, silver jewellery recorded the highest inflation at 155.23 per cent in May, followed by tomato at 48.43 per cent, gold/diamond/platinum jewellery at 40.93 per cent and ginger at 32.49 per cent.
On the other hand, potato prices remained sharply lower, with inflation at (-)23.71 per cent. Peas recorded inflation of (-)11.47 per cent, while motor car and jeep prices declined 7.19 per cent year-on-year.
Among states with a population of over 50 lakh, Telangana recorded the highest retail inflation at 6.15 per cent in May, followed by Tamil Nadu at 5.11 per cent, Andhra Pradesh at 4.90 per cent, Karnataka at 4.59 per cent and Odisha at 4.54 per cent.
— ANI
Reader Comments
My mother was telling me that potato prices are down 23% - that's a relief for our sabzi. But honestly, when silver jewellery inflation is 155% and gold is 41% up, it's just adding to the wedding season stress. Middle class is really struggling to balance essentials and celebrations. Aur kya!
This data seems out of touch with ground reality. In our market, most food items have gone up by at least 10-15% since last year. 4.78% official food inflation doesn't match what we pay at the mandi. And personal care inflation at 18.46% - that's basically adding to our monthly expenses by a lot. Government should audit these numbers.
As someone living in Bengaluru, I can confirm restaurants have jacked up prices. Housing inflation at 2.12% seems low - my rent has gone up by 5% this year alone. But I'm glad potato prices are down - at least one staple is affordable. India needs to focus on food security better.
Telangana at 6.15% inflation? No wonder I'm spending more on groceries every week. The 18.46% rise in personal care items is particularly concerning - basic soaps and shampoos are becoming luxury items. The government should consider subsidizing essential goods instead of just releasing data. 🙏
Silver jewellery inflation at 155%?! That's insane. But I appreciate the slight relief in motor car prices - down 7%. That's one sector where consumers might get
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