India’s wholesale inflation rate, measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), eased to 2.05% in March 2025, down from 2.38% in February.
The slowdown is primarily attributed to declining prices in primary articles and fuel & power, even as manufactured products saw an increase.
The WPI Food Index fell from 189.0 in February to 188.8 in March, reflecting a drop in food inflation from 5.94% to 4.66%. Meanwhile, manufactured products—holding the largest weight in WPI—registered a 0.42% increase, marking the sixth consecutive monthly rise.
Crude petroleum and food articles saw notable price reductions, leading to a 1.07% decline in the Primary Articles Index. Fuel & Power also fell by 0.91%, influenced by lower electricity and mineral oil prices.
Experts suggest that the gradual easing of wholesale inflation could signal upcoming shifts in retail prices, potentially affecting consumer spending and policy decisions. The next WPI release, covering April 2025, is expected on May 14, 2025.
