India’s inflation dips closer to RBI target with third monthly fall

NEW DELHI – The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is approaching its inflation target as the country records a third consecutive monthly drop in its inflation rate. Today’s government data revealed that the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 4.87% in October, coming in below September’s 5.02% rise and just under the anticipated 5.0% based on a FactSet poll. This rate is on par with the inflation figures from June.

Key points from the latest inflation data include:

• A marginal decrease in food and beverage prices, with inflation in this category reported at 6.24%, slightly down from 6.30% in September.
• Clothing and footwear prices experienced a year-on-year increase of 4.31%.
• Fuel prices saw a modest reduction of 0.39%.

The current trend of easing inflation brings the overall rate closer to the RBI’s target threshold of 4%. This development could reduce the pressure on India’s central bank, which held its key interest rate steady at 6.5% last month. This decision followed a period of consistent rate hikes from an initial 4.0% in May 2022 up until February of this year.

The downward trajectory of inflation could have significant implications for monetary policy and economic planning, as it suggests that previous measures to curb price rises may be taking effect. The RBI has been vigilant in its efforts to manage inflation, and these latest figures could provide some relief to policymakers and consumers alike.

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