Retail inflation eases to 4-month low at 4.87% in April

New Delhi: Retail inflation in April softened further and fell to a four-month low of 4.87 percent as prices of food items, vegetables and fruits turned cheaper.[caption id=“attachment_2240684” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Easing inflation. AP[/caption] The retail inflation measured on the basis of Consumer Price Index (CPI) was revised upwards to 5.25 percent from 5.17 percent in March 2015. Fall in food inflation was mainly driven by fruits, vegetables, milk and related products. Food inflation, based on Consumer Food Price Index, fell to 5.11 percent during the month from 6.14 percent in March. Prices of fruits and vegetables increased at a slower pace in April with inflation standing at 5.08 percent and 6.63 percent, respectively. The rate of price rise in cereals and products was slower than a month ago at 2.15 percent, while inflation in milk and its products was at 8.21 percent. While, the rate of price rise in most of the protein rich items remained higher in April with inflation in ‘meat and fish’ category at 5.5 percent and ‘pulses and products’ at 12.52 percent. Egg prices continued a downward trajectory with inflation at (-)1.46 percent in April. However, the rate of price fall was slower than previous month’s (-)3.47 percent. Among others, inflation in oils and fats category fell to 1.77 percent in April, sugar and confectionery at (-)5.99 percent, spices (8.70 percent) and in non-alcoholic beverages it was 4.68 percent. Inflation in prepared meals, snacks and sweets category rose to 7.68 percent. Of other items calculated under CPI, inflation in clothing and footwear category came down to 6.15 percent, housing at 4.65 percent and food and beverages at 5.36 percent, respectively. PTI