India’s retail inflation rose to 3.48% in April, mainly due to increasing food prices and higher spending on daily services such as restaurants, education and pet care.
According to government data, inflation increased slightly from March levels, with food items continuing to put pressure on household budgets. Prices of vegetables, edible oils, packaged foods and kitchen essentials rose during the month, affecting everyday spending across urban and rural households.
Apart from groceries, restaurant bills also became more expensive as eateries faced rising fuel, ingredient and operational costs. Education-related expenses, including tuition fees and school services, also added to inflationary pressure.
Interestingly, pet care costs saw a noticeable rise, with higher prices for pet food, grooming products and veterinary services contributing to overall consumer inflation.
Gold and silver jewellery prices also increased sharply after the government raised import duties on precious metals earlier this week.
Economists said inflation still remains within the Reserve Bank of India’s comfort range, but concerns are growing over rising crude oil prices and global uncertainty linked to tensions in West Asia.
his inflation could remain under pressure in the coming months if fuel prices continue rising or food supply gets affected by weather conditions.
Also Read: PM Modi orders smaller SPG convoys, pushes EV use
