India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation rose to 5.49% in September, up from 3.65% in August, reflecting a sharp increase driven primarily by rising food prices. Rural inflation stood at 5.87%, while urban inflation was recorded at 5.05%, highlighting continued price pressures across regions.

The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) surged to 9.24% in September, with urban food inflation at 9.56% and rural food inflation at 9.08%. The rise was attributed to elevated prices across several food categories, although some relief came from falling prices in pulses, spices, meat, fish, sugar, and confectionery.

Housing inflation saw a slight increase, reaching 2.78% in September from 2.66% in August. As housing costs are calculated only for urban areas, the rise reflects higher rental and housing-related expenses. Electricity inflation also rose to 5.45%, up from 4.91% the previous month, with the All-India Electricity Index inching up from 162.4 to 162.5.

(Inputs from ANI)