Inflation rises to (-)0.12 pc on higher food, household prices

Inflation rose marginally to minus 0.12 per cent for the week ended August 29 from minus 0.21 per cent in the previous week due to a rise in prices of food and other household items.

The wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation remained negative for the 13th consecutive week primarily on high base. Inflation turned negative for the first time in the week ending June 6.

Inflation in the corresponding week last year was 12.38 per cent. Prices of fruits, vegetables and milk rose by 1 per cent each while eggs became expensive by 4 per cent, sea fish was dearer by 2 per cent and soyabean oil rose 3 per cent.

Among the household items, laundry soaps became expensive by 35 per cent, detergents by 17 per cent and toilet soap and toothpaste by 6 per cent each.

However, the prices of jowar, masur and gram declined by a per cent each while linseed was cheaper by 6 per cent and sunflower by 4 per cent. Salt was cheaper by 4 per cent, while prices of sugar and cotton seed oil declined by one per cent each.

Among manufactured items, prices of ferro manganese dipped as much as 53 per cent, while cement and bicycle prices declined by one per cent. Fuel and power remained unchanged at the previous week's level.

The wholesale price index for the week ended July 4 was revised upwards to minus (RPT) minus 0.75 per cent from the provisional estimate of minus 1.21 per cent.