New Delhi, September 14: Retail inflation in India rose to 4.82% in August, reaching an eight-month high, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Retail inflation stood at 4.45% in July.
Food inflation, measured by the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), also increased to 5.95% in August from 5.52% in July, putting additional pressure on household budgets.
Retail inflation has remained above the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% target for the third consecutive month. It was 3.93% in May, rose to 4.38% in June and reached 4.45% in July before climbing further in August. The August figure is the highest among the eight months of data available under the new CPI series.
Onion, Garlic and Ginger Prices Rise Sharply
Among food items, onion, garlic and ginger recorded significant year-on-year inflation in August.
Onion inflation rose to 48.27% in August from 22.54% in July. Garlic inflation increased from 35.36% to 43.60%, while ginger recorded inflation of 73.82%.
These three vegetables were among the five items with the highest inflation across India during August 2026.
Prices of jewellery also remained elevated. Inflation in silver jewellery stood at 107.11%, while prices of gold, diamond and platinum jewellery were 35.53% higher year-on-year.
Tomato and Potato Prices Offer Some Relief
While onion, garlic and ginger became significantly more expensive, tomato and potato prices declined on a year-on-year basis.
Tomato prices were 31.09% lower in August 2026 compared with the same month last year. Potato prices also declined by 13.14%.
Rural Inflation Higher Than Urban Inflation
Retail inflation in rural areas increased to 5.23% in August from 4.84% in July. In urban areas, inflation rose from 3.96% to 4.31%.
Overall food inflation increased from 5.52% in July to 5.95% in August.
Inflation was also recorded in services. Inflation in restaurant and hotel services stood at 8.38%, while personal care and other services recorded inflation of 15.17%.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.