Business

Wholesale Inflation Rises to 2.38% in February, Up from 2.31% in January

Published

1 year ago

March 17, 2025

According to government data released on Monday, wholesale inflation in February rose to 2.38% year-on-year, an increase from 2.31% in January. A statement from the Commerce Ministry attributed this uptick primarily to higher prices in sectors such as food product manufacturing, various food articles, non-food items, and textile production.

Additionally, the month-to-month change in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for February 2025 recorded a slight increase of 0.06% compared to January 2025.

The Fuel & Power index saw a rise of 2.12%, moving from a provisional 150.6 in January to 153.8 in February. Significant price hikes occurred in electricity (up 4.28%) and mineral oils (up 1.87%). Interestingly, coal prices remained unchanged from the previous month.
The Food Index, which includes ‘food articles’ from the primary articles category and ‘food products’ from the manufactured goods category, fell from 191.4 in January to 189.0 in February. Consequently, the annual inflation rate for the WPI Food Index decreased from 7.47% in January to 5.94% in February.
Recently released figures on consumer price index (CPI)-based retail inflation for February indicate a decline to 3.61%, driven primarily by lower price increases for vegetables and protein-rich foods. In contrast, CPI retail inflation was recorded at 4.26% in January and 5.09% in February 2024. This marks a decrease of 65 basis points in year-on-year headline inflation for February compared to January, the lowest level observed since July 2024.

Business

Tomato Prices Crash from Rs.1200 to Rs.80, Farmers in Distress

Published

3 weeks ago

March 25, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business: Tomato prices in Vijayanagara district have dropped sharply, causing heavy losses to farmers and traders. A box of tomatoes that was earlier sold for Rs.1000 to Rs.1200 is now being sold for just Rs.80 to Rs.100.

Due to the sudden fall in prices, farmers are struggling to recover their investment. Many had taken loans to grow the crop and are now facing financial difficulties.

In local markets, traders are selling tomatoes at very low rates. Around 2 to 4 kilograms of tomatoes are being sold for just Rs.20.

The price crash has been linked to multiple reasons. Export of tomatoes to other countries has reduced due to the Iran–Israel conflict. In addition, many hotels are not operating properly due to a shortage of cooking gas cylinders. This has reduced demand for tomatoes.

As a result, both farmers and sellers are facing serious losses, and the situation has become very difficult for them.

Business

Gold Prices Rise in Mangaluru; 24K Gold at Rs.13,564 per Gram

Published

3 weeks ago

March 24, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: Gold prices in the coastal city of Mangaluru have been updated today, reflecting the latest market trends.

The price of 24 karat gold (99.9% purity) stands at Rs.13,564 per gram. Meanwhile, 22 karat gold (91.6% purity) is priced at Rs.12,434 per gram. The rate for 18 karat gold (75% purity) is Rs.10,173 per gram.

Mangaluru, known for its rich coastal culture and love for seafood, also has a deep connection with gold. The demand for gold ornaments in the city remains strong, especially during weddings and festivals.

The gold trade in Mangaluru has a long history and continues to play an important role in the local economy. Many families prefer investing in gold due to its cultural and financial value.

Buyers are advised to check the latest rates before making any purchase, as gold prices may change daily based on market conditions.

For those planning to buy gold, using a Gold Rate Calculator can help in getting accurate pricing based on weight and purity.

Business

Good News for Milk Producers in Chikkaballapur – 50 Paise Increase per Litre

Published

1 month ago

March 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chikkaballapur: The Chikkaballapur Milk Union (Chimul) has announced good news for milk producers in Chikkaballapur district. The union has decided to increase the milk procurement price by 50 paise per litre, which will benefit dairy farmers in the district.

Earlier, on January 1, Chimul had increased the price by Rs.1 per litre as a New Year benefit to farmers. Now, the union has announced an additional 50 paise increase.

With this latest revision, dairy farmers will receive Rs.36.40 per litre for milk. The 50 paise increase will remain in effect until the end of May.

Chimul President Manjunath Reddy told Public TV that the union will review its profits and may continue the price increase in the future based on financial performance.

The decision is expected to provide some relief and encouragement to dairy farmers in Chikkaballapur district.