Our Bureau
New Delhi
India’s wholesale inflation more than doubled to a 42-month high of 8.3% in April due to a sharp surge in fuel and crude oil prices. This marked a big jump from 3.9% in March 2026.
The government released the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Fuel and power inflation soared to 24.71% in April from just 1.05% the previous month. Crude petroleum prices spiked amid the West Asia crisis and a weaker rupee against the US dollar.
This rise affects manufacturers and traders across India. Higher costs for fuel and power push up prices of goods like minerals and other items. Experts link every $10 rise in crude oil to an extra 55-60 basis points in overall inflation.
The WPI index measures monthly wholesale price changes with April’s 8.3% increase being the highest in the current series. It beat forecasts of around 4.4%.
While retail inflation based on CPI only edged up slightly to 3.48% in April from 3.40% in March, the WPI jump signals wider price pressures ahead. ICRA predicts WPI could cross 9% in May if energy trends continue.
Economists watch this closely as it may lead to tighter monetary policy. Businesses face higher input costs, which could slow growth if not managed. The data comes as global oil markets stay volatile due to regional tensions.
