India's Retail Inflation at 3.21% in February 2026

India's retail inflation rose to 3.21 percent in February 2026, marking a 10-month high and reversing a decline seen in the previous month, according to official data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on March 12.

The Consumer Price Index, based on a new series with the base year 2024, showed headline inflation increasing from 2.74 percent in January. This uptick of 47 basis points was primarily driven by higher prices in the food and beverages category, which jumped to 3.47 percent from 2.13 percent. Food and beverages account for a significant portion of the CPI basket, contributing nearly all of the monthly rise. Specific items like tomatoes and cauliflower saw sharp price increases of 45 percent and 44 percent year-on-year, respectively, while cereals, pulses, and other vegetables also exerted upward pressure. In contrast, prices for garlic, onions, potatoes, and certain pulses like arhar eased, providing some offset.

Inflation in the paan, tobacco, and intoxicants category also accelerated to 3.5 percent from 2.9 percent. The personal care, social protection, and miscellaneous goods and services segment remained elevated at 19.6 percent, up...