Retail inflation in India accelerated to a three-month high in January on the back of rising prices of cereals, eggs, meat, fish and milk, and reversed the easing trend to pose a fresh challenge for policymakers.
Data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) showed retail inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, rose an annual 6. 5% in January, higher than December’s 5. 7% and above the 6% recorded in January last year.
The food price index rose nearly 6% in January, higher than the 4. 2% in December. Rural inflation outpaced urban inflation rising 6. 9%. Urban inflation was at 6%.