Retail inflation goes past 4%, first time in 17 months

India's retail inflation based on CPI rose to 4.4% in June 2026 from 3.9% in May, crossing the 4% mark for the first time in 17 months.

The food index rose 5.3% in June, up from 4.8% in May, amid a deficit monsoon expected to pressure food prices further.

Inflation in 'restaurants and accommodation services' accelerated to 6.9% in June, reflecting higher commercial cooking gas prices and food costs.

Personal transportation costs surged to 7.4% in June from 3.1% in May due to multiple retail fuel price hikes undertaken in late May.

This is the first time retail inflation has crossed 4% in the new CPI series with base year 2024, released in February 2026.