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Wholesale Inflation Surges to 8.3% in April 2026, Fuel Prices Soar

India's wholesale inflation surged to 8.3% in April 2026, up sharply from 3.88% in March, driven primarily by soaring fuel and power costs. The Fuel and Power segment saw inflation jump to 24.71%, with petrol inflation at 32.40% and crude petroleum at 88.06%. Primary Articles inflation rose to 9.17%, while Manufactured Products inflation increased to 4.62%. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry attributed the rise to higher prices of mineral oils, crude petroleum, natural gas, and basic metals.

Key Points: Wholesale Inflation Hits 8.3% in April 2026

  • Wholesale inflation rose to 8.3% in April 2026 from 3.88% in March
  • Fuel and Power inflation surged to 24.71%
  • Petrol inflation hit 32.40%, crude petroleum up 88.06%
  • Food inflation rose to 2.31% from 1.85%
2 min read

Wholesale inflation surges to 8.3% YoY in April, Fuel and Power inflation rises to 24.71%

India's wholesale inflation surged to 8.3% in April 2026, driven by a 24.71% rise in fuel and power prices. Petrol inflation hit 32.40%, while crude petroleum rose 88.06%.

"Positive rate of inflation in April, 2026 is primarily due to increase in prices of mineral oils, crude petroleum & natural gas, basic metals, other manufacturing and non-food articles - Ministry of Commerce and Industry"

New Delhi, May 14

The wholesale inflation rose sharply in April 2026 mainly due to a steep increase in fuel and power prices, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday.

The annual rate of inflation based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) stood at 8.3 per cent in April 2026 compared to April 2025. The inflation rate was 3.88 per cent in March 2026.

The ministry said the rise in wholesale inflation was primarily due to higher prices of mineral oils, crude petroleum and natural gas, basic metals, other manufacturing and non-food articles.

Ministry stated "Positive rate of inflation in April, 2026 is primarily due to increase in prices of mineral oils, crude petroleum & natural gas, basic metals, other manufacturing and non-food articles etc".

Fuel and Power inflation saw the sharpest rise among all major categories. Inflation in the Fuel and Power segment increased to 24.71 per cent in April from 1.05 per cent in March. The index for the group rose by 18.22 per cent month-on-month to 181.7 in April from 153.7 in March.

The ministry noted that prices of mineral oils increased by 29.37 per cent in April compared to March, while electricity prices declined by 2.53 per cent during the same period.

Among fuel products, petrol inflation surged to 32.40 per cent in April, while High-Speed Diesel (HSD) inflation stood at 25.19 per cent. LPG inflation also increased to 10.92 per cent.

The data also showed that inflation in crude petroleum and natural gas jumped to 67.18 per cent in April, while crude petroleum inflation alone stood at 88.06 per cent.

Primary Articles inflation increased to 9.17 per cent in April from 6.36 per cent in March, while Manufactured Products inflation rose to 4.62 per cent from 3.39 per cent.

The Food Index-based wholesale inflation also moved higher to 2.31 per cent in April from 1.85 per cent in March.

According to the ministry, the month-on-month change in overall WPI for April 2026 stood at 3.86 per cent compared to March 2026.

The ministry further stated that the WPI for April 2026 was compiled at a weighted response rate of 96.7 per cent and the next WPI data for May 2026 will be released on June 15, 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand global crude prices impact us, why does our government not use the windfall from higher taxes to cushion this? Every month we see inflation figures but the aam aadmi's wallet keeps shrinking. Something needs to be done at policy level, not just statistics.
A
Arjun K
Miss those days when inflation was in single digits. Now 8.3% is the new normal! 😅 But seriously, crude petroleum inflation at 88% is scary. Hope the RBI and government coordinate better. Else we'll be paying more for everything from transport to groceries soon.
S
Siddharth J
Interesting data point: electricity prices actually fell 2.53% while everything else shot up. Shows our power generation is diversifying. But mineral oils up 29% month-on-month is brutal for industries. Expect manufacturing costs to rise further, which means job losses in small businesses. Tough times ahead. 📉
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Nisha Z
Ye sab Modi ji ke time mein hota hai! 😤 #InflationBhaiInflation. But on a serious note, even food inflation at 2.31% is manageable for now, but fuel prices will push everything up. Time to switch to electric vehicles? But then electricity prices might also rise... kya karein?
V
Vikram M
Wholesale inflation finally catching up with retail. This was expected given the Russia-Ukraine situation and global supply chains. But our government needs to be proactive with strategic reserves and subsidies. Also, why no mention of GST on fuel? That would help control prices at the pump.

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