India WPI hits 42-month high of 8.3% as West Asia war drives energy, packaging costs

April wholesale inflation jumped from 3.88% to 8.3%, with ATF doubling MoM, naphtha up 67%, and petrol up 24%. Cigarettes, plastic packaging, and edible oils rose sharply. Economists warn retailers face input cost pass-through pressure; CareEdge sees FY27 WPI at 7.8% even as CPI sits at 3.48%.

— FiledFri, 15 May, 2026, 07:08 IST·First seen Fri, 15 May, 2026, 06:54 IST·Source Indian Express · Business

What happened

India WPI · India's April WPI inflation hit a 42-month high of 8.3%, driven by West Asia war energy costs. Cigarettes, plastic packaging, edible oils rose;

Key facts

  • WPI 8.3% YoY April
  • up from 3.88% March
  • 42-month high
  • ATF +100% MoM
  • naphtha +67%
  • petrol +24%
  • cigarettes +5% MoM
  • core inflation 5%
  • CPI 3.48%
  • FY27 WPI forecast 7.8%

Why this matters

Acquisition multiples for packaging-intensive targets should compress as input cost volatility extends through FY27, opening windows for vertical integration deals in plastics and edible oils.