New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) The retail inflation in October eased to 0.25pc, lowest level in the current series that began in 2013, down from 1.44pc in September. The moderation was led by a continued decline in food prices.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the food index fell to -5.02pc in October from -2.3pc in the previous month, reflecting a broad-based softening in key staples and edible items.
Year-on-year inflation rate based on Consumer Food Price Index for October, 2025 over October, 2024 is -5.02% (Provisional). Corresponding inflation rates for rural and urban are (-) 4.85pc and (-) 5.18pc, respectively, the data released by the ministry said.
It further said the decline in headline inflation and food inflation during the month of October, is mainly attributed to full month’s impact of decline in GST, favorable base effect and to drop in inflation of Oils and fats, Vegetables, Fruits, Egg, Footwear, Cereals and products, Transport and Communication etc.
Oil was the only category within food which registered a double digit inflation in October, even as prices eased from the previous month. Coconut oil inflation at nearly 93 percent was the highest among items.
Housing inflation stood at 2.96 pc which is slightly lower than 2.98 pc in September.
The education inflation for both rural and urban areas rose marginally to 3.49pc in October from 3.44pc in September. Health inflation eased to 3.86pc in October from 4.39pc during the last month, showing a slight decline in healthcare costs.
The prices in the transport and communication sector dropped to 0.94pc in October from 1.82pc in September while the inflation in fuel and light remained unchanged at 1.98pc in both October and September.
Speaking on the inflation data, Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “Going ahead, while the inflation trajectory is likely to remain benign, RBI will need to filter the festive and GST related demand from the cyclical recovery. We remain skeptical on the sustainability of the recent pickup in economic activity and hence see some room for further monetary easing.”
