WPI Inflation Rises to 3.88% in March 2026, Fueled by Crude Oil Prices and West Asia Crisis

Govt Cuts BCD on Crude Edible Oils (Palm, Soy) to Curb Inflation Ahead of Festivals

The Union Government has reduced Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on major crude edible oils (including palm oil) to moderate prices during the festive season. This move, announced on Sept 24, 2026, aims to counter rising international edible oil prices and domestic inflationary pressures, but has sparked protests from edible oilseed farmers who see it as a threat to their livelihoods.

CPI Inflation Rises to 4.45% in July 2026; Food Inflation at 5.2% and Fuel Costs Surge

Retail inflation (CPI) hit a 19-month high of 4.45% in July 2026, driven by rising food (5.2%) and fuel prices. The data, released by the Ministry of Statistics, shows costlier food services and transport, while health and recreation saw marginal cooling. For aspirants: This is a key macroeconomic indicator for Prelims (CPI data, base year change) and Mains (inflation dynamics, food price volatility).

RBI MPC Status Quo at 5.25% as CPI Inflation Rises to 4.8%, WPI at 9.92%

Retail inflation rose to 4.8% in August 2026, with food inflation at 5.95% and WPI at 9.92%. Broad-based price pressures strengthen the case for an RBI rate hike, despite the MPC keeping repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in August. This is critical for understanding monetary policy direction and the inflation targeting framework.

RBI MPC to Hold Repo Rate as Inflation Nears 4% Target Amid Crude Oil, Monsoon Risks

The RBI's MPC meeting on August 5 is expected to maintain status quo on the repo rate. The article explains the key factors influencing this decision: inflation at the 4% target, rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions (US-Iran), monsoon deficit due to El Niño, mixed high-frequency growth indicators, and actions of other central banks. Students must understand the trade-offs in monetary policy for prelims and mains.

India's July Retail Inflation Rises to 4.45%, RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25%

India's July retail inflation rose to 4.45%, the highest in 19 months, driven by food and transport costs. The RBI's MPC held the repo rate at 5.25% for the fourth consecutive meeting, balancing persistent supply-side inflation against weakening economic momentum. This is critical for exams as it tests your understanding of inflation dynamics, MPC decision-making, and the interplay between global disruptions (Ukraine-Russia) and domestic prices.

RBI Worried as Aug 2026 CPI Inflation Hits 8-Month High of 4.82%; Sugar & Chip Prices Surge

India's August 2026 retail inflation rose to 4.82% (8-month high), driven by a 24% YoY jump in sugar prices and rising memory chip costs ('chipflation'). This puts pressure on the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee to hike the repo rate for the first time in 3.5 years. For exam aspirants, this is a classic case of supply-shock inflation testing central bank credibility.

CPI Inflation Rises to 4.82% in August, RBI MPC to Meet Oct 5-7 for Rate Decision

India's CPI inflation rose to a 8-month high of 4.82% in August, driven by food price spikes in sugar (19% MoM) and onion (22% MoM). This strengthens the case for a repo rate hike at the upcoming RBI MPC meeting (Oct 5-7), which would be the first increase in 3.5 years. The news is critical for exam aspirants as it directly tests monetary policy tools, inflation targeting framework, and current economic data.

Global Refinery Attacks Spike Sulphur Prices Above $1,000/Tonne; Threatens India's Phosphatic Fertiliser Supply

The energy crisis has shifted from crude oil supply to refined products. Attacks on refineries in Russia and West Asia have caused sulphur prices to skyrocket from $200 to $1,000/tonne, severely affecting India's ability to manufacture phosphatic fertilizers. This distinct crisis poses a long-term threat to India's food security and fertiliser imports even as the country enjoys surplus refining capacity.