India Inflation Eases To 3.34%, Lowest Since August 2019

(RTTNews) - India's consumer price inflation eased further in March to the lowest level in more than five-and-a-half years amid slower rise in food prices, official data revealed on Tuesday.

Consumer price inflation eased more-than-expected to 3.34 percent in March from 3.61 percent in February. The expected rate was 3.60 percent.

Moreover, this was the lowest since August 2019, when prices had risen 3.28 percent.

Food inflation softened to 2.69 percent, the lowest since November 2021, from 3.75 percent a month ago. This significant decline was mainly attributed to a fall in the inflation of vegetables, eggs, pulses and products, meat and fish, cereals and products, and milk products.

Meanwhile, housing costs were 3.03 percent more expensive, which was 2.91 percent in February. Fuel and light costs rebounded 1.48 percent.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices dropped 0.26 percent in March.

In reaction to declining inflation, the Reserve Bank lowered the repo rate last week, and this will force policymakers to further rate hikes in the upcoming meetings.