August WPI Inflation: Wholesale Inflation Increases To 0.52%, Ends Two-Months Negative Streak

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-linked inflation increased to 0.52% in August from -0.58% in July. This rise was attributed to higher prices in food products, manufacturing, non-food articles, non-metallic mineral products, and transport equipment.

The primary articles index saw a 1.60% increase, reaching 191.0 in August from 188.0 in July 2025. Non-food articles experienced a price hike of 2.92%, followed by minerals at 2.66%, and food articles at 1.45%. In contrast, crude petroleum and natural gas inflation stood at 0.43% for August.

Fuel and Power Sector

Fuel and power inflation decreased by 0.69%, dropping to 143.6 in August from 144.6 the previous month. Electricity prices fell by 2.91%, while mineral oils saw a slight decline of 0.07%. Coal prices remained steady compared to July.

Manufactured Products

The largest segment of the WPI basket, manufactured products, rose by 0.21% in August compared to July's figures. There were price increases in the manufacture of food products, textiles, electrical equipment, other transport equipment, and machinery and equipment.

Conversely, there was a decrease in prices for basic metals, computers, electronic and optical products, wearing apparel, wood products, and furniture during this period.

CPI Inflation Trends

India's retail inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) also showed an upward trend. The CPI rose to 2.07% in August from 1.61% in July as reported by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

This data highlights the ongoing fluctuations within different sectors affecting both wholesale and retail price indices across India.