Wholesale inflation surges to 11.4% in September as fuel and food prices spike

India's wholesale price inflation reached 11.4% in September, marking a series high and a sharp jump from 8.9% recorded in August. The surge was primarily driven by rising costs of fuel, food, and manufactured goods across the economy.

Food inflation climbed to 8.7%, the highest level in 23 months, reflecting significant pressures on agricultural commodity prices. Retail inflation also edged upward, rising to 5.54% year-on-year in September from previous levels.

Economists anticipate inflation will remain elevated in the near term, citing sustained global commodity price pressures as a key headwind. The combination of fuel and food price increases is likely to keep wholesale and retail inflation above comfort levels for policymakers in the months ahead.