India’s August wholesale inflation rises to 9.92% as fuel and food costs climb

India’s WPI inflation edged up 14 basis points from July’s 9.78%, led by fuel and power inflation of 22.93% and food inflation of 7.05%. Elevated input costs across mineral oils, chemicals, plastics and manufactured goods could pressure retailer margins and consumer prices.

— Source publishedMon, 14 Sept, 2026, 12:19 IST·First seen Mon, 14 Sept, 2026, 13:28 IST·Source NDTV Profit

What happened

Ministry of Commerce & Industry, India · India’s wholesale inflation rose to 9.92% in August, driven by fuel, food and manufactured goods. Higher input costs in

Key facts

  • August WPI inflation: 9.92%
  • July WPI inflation: 9.78%
  • Fuel and power inflation: 22.93%
  • Mineral oils inflation: 38.48%
  • WPI food inflation: 7.05%

What changed

India’s wholesale inflation rose to 9.92% in August, driven by fuel, food and manufactured goods. Higher input costs in mineral oils, food products, chemicals and plastics could pressure retailer margins and consumer prices.

Why this matters

India’s rising wholesale inflation, led by fuel, food and key retail inputs, raises near-term pressure on merchandising costs, freight expenses and price-sensitive demand.

What to watch

  • September WPI and CPI food, fuel and core-goods readings
  • Crude oil prices, diesel retail pricing and freight-rate movements
  • Supplier notices for packaging, chemicals, plastics, edible oils and FMCG products
  • Retail sales mix shifts toward private label, discount formats and smaller pack sizes
  • Gross-margin commentary, inventory turns and promotional intensity from major Indian retailers