India’s retail inflation likely rose to 20-month high of 4.9% in August: Mint poll
Economists surveyed by Mint project that India's consumer price index rose to a 20‑month high of about 4.9% in August, driven largely by food price pressures. The forecast places August inflation between 4.5% and 5.1%, edging close to the 5% mark.
- ✓Economists surveyed by Mint project that India's consumer price index rose to a 20‑month high of about 4.9% in August, driven largely by food price pressures.
- ✓The Mint poll, citing a Reuters report, indicates that August retail inflation in India is expected to reach roughly 4.9%, the highest level in twenty months.
- ✓The forecasted CPI range of 4.5%‑5.1% for August surpasses the medium‑term target of 4% that the Reserve Bank of India aims to maintain.
The Mint poll, citing a Reuters report, indicates that August retail inflation in India is expected to reach roughly 4.9%, the highest level in twenty months. The projection reflects a consensus among economists that food price surges remain the primary catalyst for the upward trend.
The forecasted CPI range of 4.5%‑5.1% for August surpasses the medium‑term target of 4% that the Reserve Bank of India aims to maintain. Analysts note that the inflation rate breached the 4% ceiling in June 2026 and continues to be pressured by ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to the West Asia conflict, which have kept food commodity prices elevated.
Higher inflation erodes purchasing power for Indian households, particularly affecting low‑income consumers who spend a larger share of their income on food. Persistent price rises could prompt the RBI to consider tighter monetary policy, while policymakers monitor the external risk factors that may further influence price stability across the economy.
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| Issuing Authority | Livemint Indian Economy & Policy |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | INDIA |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 11 September 2026 |