The official Wholesale Price Index for ‘All Commodities’ (Base: 2011-12=100) for the month of April, 2018 rose by 0.7 percent to 116.8 (provisional) from 116.0 (provisional) for the previous month.

INFLATION

The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI, stood at 3.18% (provisional) for the month of April, 2018 (over April, 2017) as compared to 2.47% (provisional) for the previous month and 3.85% during the corresponding month of the previous year. Build up inflation rate in the financial year so far was 0.69% compared to a build up rate of 0.00% in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Inflation for important commodities / commodity groups is indicated in Annex-1 and Annex-II.

The movement of the index for the various commodity groups is summarized below:-

PRIMARY ARTICLES (Weight 22.62%)

The index for this major group rose by 1.4 percent to 129.2 (provisional) from 127.4 (provisional) for the previous month. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

The index for ‘Food Articles’ group rose by 1.9 percent to 139.8 (provisional) from 137.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of tea (18%), peas/chawali (13%), fruits & vegetables (8%), fish-marine (4%) and pork, paddy and maize (1% each).  However, the price of egg (4%), ragi and gram (3% each), moong, betel leaves and poultry chicken (2% each) and urad, barley, beef & buffalo meat, rajma, arhar, fish-inland and condiments & spices (1% each) declined.

 The index for ‘Non-Food Articles’ group declined by 0.9 percent to 119.1 (provisional) from 120.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of raw silk (9%), floriculture (7%), niger seed (6%), gaur seed (5%), groundnut seed and linseed (4% each), raw rubber (3%), cotton seed, castor seed and gingelly seed (2% each) and hides (raw), safflower (kardi seed) and raw cotton (1% each).  However, the price of copra (coconut) and sunflower (3% each) and coir fibre, raw wool, soyabean, skins (raw), fodder and rape & mustard seed (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Minerals’ group rose by 1.6 percent to 121.6 (provisional) from 119.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of manganese ore (4%), copper concentrate and limestone (3% each) and zinc concentrate and lead concentrate (1% each).  However, the price of chromite (3%) and iron ore (1%) declined.

The index for ‘Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas’ group rose by 2.4 percent to 82.1 (provisional) from 80.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of natural gas (4%) and crude petroleum (2%).

FUEL & POWER (Weight 13.15%)

The index for this major group rose by 0.9 percent to 98.9 (provisional) from 98.0 (provisional) for the previous month. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

 The index for ‘Coal’ group rose by 0.3 percent to 123.0 (provisional) from 122.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of lignite (8%).

The index for ‘Mineral Oils’ group rose by 1.6 percent to 89.9 (provisional) from 88.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of naphtha and petroleum coke (4% each), furnace oil (3%) and HSD, kerosene and petrol (2% each).  However, the price of LPG (5%) declined.

MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS (Weight 64.23%)

The index for this major group rose by 0.3 percent to 116.1 (provisional) from 115.7 (provisional) for the previous month. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

The index for ‘Manufacture of Food Products’ group declined by 0.1 percent to 127.6 (provisional) from 127.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of molasses (18%), sugar (6%), honey (5%), gram powder (besan) and coffee powder with chicory (3% each), manufacture of cocoa, chocolate & sugar confectionery, instant coffee and   castor oil (2% each) and sooji (rawa), gur, manufacture of starches & starch products, manufacture of health supplements,  manufacture of bakery products, groundnut oil, butter, powder milk, bagasse, manufacture of processed ready to eat food, maida, wheat flour (atta) and sunflower oil (1% each).   However, the price of processed tea (8%), rice products and  processing & preserving of fish, crustaceans & molluscs & products thereof (4% each), palm oil (3%), rice bran oil, cotton seed oil and soyabean oil (2% each) and basmati rice, buffalo meat, fresh/frozen, processing & preserving of fruit & vegetables, vanaspati, copra oil and salt (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Beverages’ group declined by 0.5 percent to 119.2 (provisional) from 119.8 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of spirits (2%) and beer (1%).   However, the price of bottled mineral water (1%) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Tobacco Products’ group declined by 4.0 percent to 146.0 (provisional) from 152.1 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of other tobacco products (9%) and cigarette (1%).

The index for ‘Manufacture of Textiles’ group rose by 0.3 percent to 114.4 (provisional) from 114.1 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of viscose yarn, weaving & finishing of textiles, cotton yarn and synthetic yarn (1% each).   However, the price of manufacture of cordage, rope, twine & netting, woollen yarn and manufacture of made-up textile articles, except apparel (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Wearing Apparel’ group rose by 1.1 percent to 139.3 (provisional) from 137.8 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of manufacture of wearing apparel (woven), except fur apparel (1%).

The index for ‘Manufacture of Leather and Related Products’ group rose by 1.2 percent to 122.0 (provisional) from 120.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of belt & other articles of leather (3%), vegetable tanned leather, chrome tanned leather and athletic/sport shoes (2% each) and leather shoe, harness, saddles & other related items, gloves of leather, canvas shoes and travel goods, handbags, office bags, etc. (1% each).

The index for ‘Manufacture of Wood and of Products of Wood and Cork’ group declined by 0.1 percent to 131.6 (provisional) from 131.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of plywood block boards and wooden box/crate (1% each). However, the price of particle boards, wood cutting, processed/sized and wooden block-compressed or not (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Paper and Paper Products’ group declined by 0.1 percent to 120.8 (provisional) from 120.9 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of paper bag including craft paper bag (3%), kraft paper and paper carton/box (2% each) and base paper, duplex paper and laminated plastic sheet (1% each).  However, the price of newsprint (4%) and corrugated paper board and card board (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Printing and Reproduction of Recorded Media ‘ group rose by 0.2 percent to 144.9 (provisional) from 144.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of printed books (1%). However, the price of printed labels/posters/calendars and printed form & schedule (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Chemicals and Chemical Products’ group rose by 1.0 percent to 116.4 (provisional) from 115.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of sulphuric acid (13%), phthalic anhydride and paint (8% each), aromatic chemicals, nitric acid and creams & lotions for external application (6% each), poly propylene (pp) and other inorganic chemicals (5% each), camphor (4%), ethylene oxide, carbon black, organic solvent, fungicide, liquid, toilet soap and aniline (including pna, ona, ocpna) (2% each) and amine, additive, alcohols, alkyl benzene, soda ash/washing soda, plasticizer, insecticide & pesticide, nitrogenous fertilizer, others, mixed fertilizer, superphospate / phosphatic fertilizer, others, phosphoric acid, explosive, acrylic fibre, polyester chips or polyethylene terepthalate (pet) chips, epoxy, liquid, adhesive excluding gum, viscose staple fibre, agro chemical formulation, powder coating material, liquid air & other gaseous products and dye stuff/dyes incl. dye intermediates & pigments/colours (1% each).  However, the price of ammonium sulphate (9%), hydrogen peroxide (8%), sodium silicate and ammonia gas (4% each), hair oil/body oil, shampoo, di ammonium phosphate, acetic acid & its derivatives, face/body powder and tooth paste/tooth powder (2% each)  and  menthol, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), mono ethyl glycol, gelatine, catalysts and organic surface active agent (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical and Botanical Products’ group declined by 0.5 percent to 120.4 (provisional) from 121.0 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of antibiotics & preparations thereof and medical accessories (2% each) and vaccine for hepatitis-B, anti-retroviral drugs for HIV treatment and antiseptics & disinfectants (1% each).  However, the price of antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory formulations (4%), anti inflammatory preparation (3%), anti-malarial drugs and vials/ampoule, glass, empty or filled (2% each) and antioxidants (1%) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Rubber and Plastics Products’ group rose by 0.4 percent to 108.2 (provisional) from 107.8 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of conveyer belt (fibre based) (7%), polyester film (non-metalized) (6%), V belt (3%), processed rubber, medium & heavy commercial vehicle tyre, condoms, rubber cloth/sheet and tractor tyre (2% each) and rubberized dipped fabric, polythene film, plastic components, rubber moulded goods, acrylic/plastic sheet, plastic bottle, plastic tube (flexible/non-flexible) and 2/3 wheeler rubber tube (1% each). However, the price of plastic button (3%), rubber components & parts and solid rubber tyres/wheels (2% each) and plastic film, plastic furniture, rubber crumb, polypropylene film, rubber tread and tooth brush (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of other Non-Metallic Mineral Products’ group rose by 1.2 percent to 115.2 (provisional) from 113.8 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of graphite rod (20%), porcelain sanitary ware (3%), non ceramic tiles (2%) and asbestos corrugated sheet, clinker, slag cement, ceramic tiles (vitrified tiles), plain bricks and glass bottle (1% each).  However, the price of ordinary sheet glass (4%), marble slab (3%) and pozzolana cement, lime & calcium carbonate, toughened glass and poles & posts of concrete (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Basic Metals’ group rose by 0.5 percent to 110.1 (provisional) from 109.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of aluminium disk and circles (6%), pig iron and ms pencil ingots (3% each), aluminium shapes-bars/rods/flats, angles, channels, sections, steel (coated/not), gp/gc sheet and aluminium castings (2% each) and steel cables, hot rolled (HR) coils & sheets, including narrow strip, stainless steel bars & rods, including flats, aluminium powder, cast iron, castings, alloy steel castings, mild steel (ms) blooms, alloy steel wire rods, ferrochrome, MS bright bars and cold rolled (CR) coils & sheets, including narrow strip (1% each).   However, the price of other ferro alloys and steel forgings-rough (2% each) and ferrosilicon, brass metal/sheet/coils, zinc metal/zinc blocks, alumnium foil, stainless steel coils, strips & sheets, stainless steel tubes and silicomanganese (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery and Equipment’ group declined by 0.4 percent to 111.7 (provisional) from 112.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of stainless steel tank (4%), electrical stamping- laminated or otherwise (3%), steel door and cylinders (2% each) and jigs & fixture and boilers (1% each).  However, the price of metal cutting tools & accessories (3%), copper bolts, screws, nuts and pressure cooker (2% each) and iron/steel cap, bracket, forged steel rings, steel container, steel drums & barrels, hose pipes in set or otherwise and stainless steel utensils (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Computer, Electronic and Optical Products’ group rose by 1.1 percent to 111.6 (provisional) from 110.4 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of scientific time keeping device (6%), meter (non-electrical) (5%), telephone sets including mobile hand sets (3%) and clock, capacitors, electronic printed circuit board (pcb)/micro circuit and colour TV (1% each).  However, the price of electro-diagnostic apparatus, used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, microscope and sunglasses (3% each) and computer peripherals (1%) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Electrical Equipment’ group rose by 1.2 percent to 110.8 (provisional) from 109.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of transformer (6%), electrical resistors (except heating resistors), fibre optic cables and connector/plug/socket/holder-electric (3% each), domestic gas stove, aluminium wire, jelly filled cables and solenoid valve (2% each) and amplifier, incandescent lamps, insulating & flexible wire, AC motor, electrical relay/conductor, aluminium/alloy conductor, light fitting accessories, electric mixers/grinders/food processors and fan (1% each).  However, the price of rotor/magneto rotor assembly (3%) and electric switch gear control/starter, insulator, washing machines/laundry machines and electric switch (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Machinery and Equipment’ group rose by 0.4 percent to 110.4 (provisional) from 110.0 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of excavator, loader, hydraulic pump, roller mill (raymond), pneumatic tools, hydraulic equipment and moulding machine (2% each) and chillers, industrial valve, agriculture implements, drilling machine, open end spinning machinery, grinding or polishing machine, soil preparation & cultivation machinery (other than tractors), injection pump, machinery for plastic products-extruded, manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing & driving elements and material handling, lifting & hoisting equipment (1% each). However, the price of conveyors-non-roller type (5%), air or vacuum pump (2%) and filtration equipment, water purifier, harvesters, pharmaceutical machinery and packing machine (1% each) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Motor Vehicles, Trailers and Semi-Trailers’ group rose by 0.2 percent to 111.2 (provisional) from 111.0 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of release valve (3%), crankshaft (2%) and cylinder liners, ignition device, wheels/wheels & parts, shafts of all kinds, chassis of different vehicle types and passenger vehicles (1% each).  However, the price of radiators & coolers and chain (2% each) and piston ring/piston & compressor (1%) declined.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Other Transport Equipment’ group declined by 0.4 percent to 110.2 (provisional) from 110.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of railway brake gear (4%) and motor cycles (1%). However, the price of bicycles of all types (1%) moved up.

The index for ‘Manufacture of Furniture’ group declined by 0.5 percent to 123.3 (provisional) from 123.9 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of foam & rubber mattress (4%). However, the price of hospital furniture and steel shutter gate (1% each) moved up.

The index for ‘Other Manufacturing’ group rose by 1.2 percent to 105.3 (provisional) from 104.1 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of table tennis table (4%), cricket ball and non mechanical toys (3% each), carrom board and stringed musical instruments (incl. santoor, guitars, etc.) (2% each) and gold & gold ornaments, silver, cricket bat and playing cards (1% each).

WPI FOOD INDEX (Weight 24.38%)

The rate of inflation based on WPI Food Index consisting of ‘Food Articles’ from Primary Articles group and ‘Food Product’ from Manufactured Products group increased from (-) 0.07% in March, 2018 to 0.67% in April, 2018.

FINAL INDEX FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 2018 (BASE YEAR: 2011-12=100)

For the month of February, 2018, the final Wholesale Price Index for ‘All Commodities’ (Base: 2011-12=100) stood at 116.1 as compared to 115.8 (provisional) and annual rate of inflation based on final index stood at 2.74 percent as compared to 2.48 percent (provisional) respectively as reported on 14.03.2018. 

Next date of press release: 14/06/2018 for the month of May, 2018

This press release is available at our home page http://eaindustry.nic.in

Annexure-I

Wholesale Price Index and Rates of Inflation (Base Year: 2011-12=100)