Business

India’s Retail Inflation Drops to 7-Month Low of 3.6% in February

Published

11 months ago

March 13, 2025

In February of this year, the year-on-year inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), fell to a 7-month low of 3.61%. This represents a decline of 0.65% compared to January, mainly due to a further decrease in food prices. This marks the lowest level of retail inflation since July 2024.

The February food inflation has reached its lowest point since May 2023, coming in 222 basis points lower than in January, according to official data.

The notable drop in both headline and food inflation for February is primarily linked to a reduction in prices for key items such as vegetables, eggs, meat, fish, pulses, and dairy products.

Official figures indicate that the items with the steepest year-on-year price drops in February include ginger (-35.81%), jeera (-28.77%), tomato (-28.51%), cauliflower (-21.19%), and garlic (-20.32%).

Additionally, fuel prices saw a decrease, relieving some financial pressure on households, with fuel inflation recorded at (-) 1.33% for the month.

As retail inflation continues its downward trajectory and dips below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) target of 4%, the central bank may have more scope to initiate rate cuts to spur economic growth and job creation.

Last month, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced a reduction of 25 basis points in the policy rate, lowering it from 6.5% to 6.25% in a monetary policy review aimed at stimulating growth amidst global uncertainties.

He remarked that inflation has diminished and is anticipated to further progress towards the RBI’s target of 4%.

The monetary policy decision seeks to strike a delicate balance between curbing inflation and enhancing economic growth in a slowing environment. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) also unanimously opted to maintain a neutral stance in its monetary policy, focusing on inflation while still supporting growth. This approach allows for flexibility to respond to the evolving macroeconomic landscape, according to Malhotra.

Business

India May Buy More Oil From Venezuela Instead of Russia

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : The United States has told India that it can soon resume buying oil from Venezuela.The suggestion is part of a U.S. effort to reduce India’s dependence on Russian crude oil.

This pitch comes as India plans to cut Russian oil imports by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the coming months. Under the Trump administration, the United States had imposed a 25 % tariff on countries that bought Venezuelan oil, including India.

Now, the U.S. wants India to resume Venezuelan oil purchases to help diversify India’s energy sources. The United States is also trying to reshape energy ties with India as part of broader diplomatic engagement.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said she agreed with India on energy cooperation in a recent phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi said both sides agreed to deepen their partnership and expand cooperation in all areas.

Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Recently, Venezuela opened its oil sector to private investment to attract foreign capital and boost production.

India was one of the major buyers of Russian crude after the Ukraine war began in 2022. But India is now seeking alternative suppliers as part of its energy strategy.

Business

Chicken Prices Remain Stable in Local Markets

Published

2 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chicken prices remained stable in local markets today.Traders said there was no major change in rates.Consumers continued to make regular purchases.

Boneless chicken is priced at ₹210 per kilogram.Regular chicken is available at ₹160 per kilogram.Chicken liver is being sold at ₹120 per kilogram.

Country chicken is priced higher due to demand.It is selling at ₹360 per kilogram.Live chicken is available at ₹130 per kilogram.

Skinless chicken is priced at ₹200 per kilogram.Vendors said supply is sufficient in the market.They expect prices to remain steady in the coming days.

Customers expressed satisfaction with the current rates.Market officials said there is no shortage of chicken.

Business

Gold Prices Edge Up in India on January 19, 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gold prices in India recorded a slight increase on January 19, 2026, supported by global market trends, local demand, and movements in the rupee-dollar exchange rate.

As per market estimates, 24-carat gold, which is considered pure gold, is priced at ₹14,569 per gram, or ₹1,45,690 per 10 grams. 22-carat gold, commonly used for jewellery, is trading at around ₹13,355 per gram, or ₹1,33,550 per 10 grams.

The prices have risen marginally compared to the previous day. The increase is mainly linked to a weaker Indian rupee against the US dollar, which makes imported gold more expensive.

Gold rates vary slightly across cities such as Mangalore and other parts of the country. These differences depend on local taxes, transportation costs, jeweller margins, and regional demand.

Demand for gold remains strong due to the wedding season and festive buying, which continues to support higher prices. Investors also turn to gold during uncertain economic conditions, as it is seen as a safe-haven asset.

Experts say that global geopolitical developments, inflation concerns, and central bank policies are also influencing international gold prices, which in turn affect domestic rates.

Market participants expect gold prices to remain firm in the near term if the rupee stays weak and demand continues at current levels.