Why in the News?
Retail inflation based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased marginally to 3.4% in March 2026 from 3.21% in February 2026, mainly due to a rise in food prices.
Key Highlights
- Retail Inflation (March 2026): 3.4%
- Retail Inflation (February 2026): 3.21%
- Food Inflation (March 2026): 3.87%
- Food Inflation (February 2026): 3.47%
- Despite the increase, inflation remains below RBI’s target of 4%.
RBI Inflation Target
- RBI target inflation: 4%
- Tolerance band: 2% to 6%
- Current inflation: Within safe range
Items Showing High Inflation
- Gold and silver jewellery, Coconut (copra), Tomato, and Cauliflower
Items Showing Negative Inflation
- Onion, Potato, Garlic, Arhar dal, and Chickpeas
Other Sector Inflation
- Inflation in electricity, gas and other fuels rose to 1.65% in March from 1.52% in February.
- Reason:
- Impact of West Asia crisis
- Increase in LPG and alternate fuel prices
| [2022] In India, which one of the following is responsible for maintaining price stability by controlling inflation? (a) Department of Consumer Affairs (b) Expenditure Management Commission (c) Financial Stability and Development Council (d) Reserve Bank of India |
