Firenib desk
Delhi, 15th May 2026: Fuel Price Hike: India’s wholesale inflation surged to 8.3% in April 2026, the highest level in the last 42 months, mainly due to a sharp rise in fuel and energy prices. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation stood at 3.58% in March and 2.26% in February.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, rising prices of mineral oil, crude petroleum, natural gas, basic metals and manufactured products drove the inflation spike.
Inflation in the fuel and power category jumped to 24.71% in April, compared to 1.05% in March. Petrol and diesel inflation rose sharply to 32.40%, while LPG inflation reached 10.92%.
Crude petroleum prices recorded an 88.06% year-on-year increase, significantly impacting overall wholesale prices. Combined inflation in crude petroleum and natural gas stood at 67.18%.
Primary articles inflation rose to 9.17%, while manufactured products inflation increased to 4.62%.
Despite the fuel-led surge, food inflation remained relatively moderate at 2.31%. Wheat prices increased marginally by 0.38%, while pulses prices declined by 4.03%. Vegetable inflation remained low at 0.53%, with potato and onion prices falling 30.04% and 26.45%, respectively.
Experts say rising fuel prices may increase transportation, irrigation and agricultural input costs in the coming months, adding pressure on the farm economy.
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