The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released Consumer Price Index data for August 2026 with base year 2024. The figures show that overall retail inflation stood at 4.82 percent, while food inflation was notably higher at 5.95 percent.
Key Inflation Numbers and Details
Retail inflation based on the All India Consumer Price Index for August 2026 compared to August 2025 reached 4.82 percent. Rural areas recorded higher inflation at 5.23 percent, while urban areas saw 4.31 percent inflation.
Food price inflation was significantly elevated. The All India Consumer Food Price Index showed year-on-year inflation of 5.95 percent. Rural food inflation climbed to 6.13 percent, whereas urban areas experienced 5.64 percent food inflation.
Several specific items showed sharp price movements. Tomato prices fell sharply by 31.09 percent, and potato prices declined by 13.14 percent. Among high-inflation items, onion prices surged by 48.27 percent, while ginger climbed 73.82 percent and garlic rose 43.60 percent. Silver jewellery saw inflation of 107.11 percent.
The data collection involved 1,407 urban markets and 1,465 villages across all states and union territories. Both rural and urban markets achieved a 100 percent response rate during August 2026.
The next Consumer Price Index for September 2026 will be released on 12 October 2026 or the next working day if that date is a holiday.
What this means for you
If you purchase groceries and vegetables, expect continued pressure on your household budget, particularly for essentials like onions and garlic where prices have jumped significantly. The overall inflation rate of 4.82 percent suggests your purchasing power has eroded over the year, meaning the same amount of money buys you less than it did twelve months ago. Rural households face slightly steeper price increases than urban ones, which could affect those living in smaller towns and villages more acutely.