India's Retail Inflation Reaches Four-Month Peak at 3.48% in April

In April 2026, India's retail inflation climbed to 3.48%, the highest in four months, edging closer to the Reserve Bank of India's target. The Ministry of Statistics reported that the year-on-year inflation rate based on the Consumer Price Index is 3.48%, with rural and urban inflation rates at 3.74% and 3.16%, respectively. Food inflation also saw an increase, reaching 4.20%. This article delves into the implications of these figures and what they mean for the economy.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 16:50 IST

Retail Inflation Trends in India

In April, India's retail inflation rose to 3.48%, marking a four-month high, up from 3.4% in March. This increase brings the inflation rate closer to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) medium-term target of 4%. According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the year-on-year inflation rate, based on the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) with a base year of 2024, stands at 3.48% for April 2026 compared to April 2025 (Provisional). The inflation rates for rural and urban areas are recorded at 3.74% and 3.16%, respectively.

Food inflation for the month of April is reported at 4.20% (Provisional), with rural and urban rates at 4.26% and 4.10%, respectively. Further updates will follow.