Why in news
India’s retail inflation rose to 5.5% in September, the highest in nine months.
A significant increase in food prices, especially vegetables, contributed to this rise.
The increase in inflation raises concerns about consumer spending and economic growth.
Why Inflation is High
Vegetable inflation jumped to 36% (up from 10.7% in August).
Fruit prices also increased from 6.5% to 7.65%.
Rural inflation is nearing 6% at 5.9%, while urban inflation is at 5.05%.
Urban consumers faced higher food inflation (9.6%) compared to rural consumers (9.1%).
Excluding food and energy, core inflation rose to 3.8%, indicating broader price pressures.
Personal care prices increased by 9% in September.
A rise in global commodity prices, including edible oils, also contributed to domestic inflation
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