Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Posted On: 14 MAY 2019 12:02PM by PIB Delhi

The official Wholesale Price Index for 'All Commodities' (Base: 2011-12=100) for the month of April,2019 rose by 0.8 percent to 120.9 (provisional) from 120 (provisional) for the previous month.

INFLATION

The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI, stood at 3.07% (provisional) for the month of Apr,2019 (over Apr,2018) as compared to 3.18% (provisional) for the previous month and 3.62% during the corresponding month of the previous year. Build up inflation rate in the financial year so far was 0.75% compared to a build up rate of 0.86% 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 group is summarized below:-

PRIMARY ARTICLES (Weight 22.62%)

The index for this major group rose by 3.3 percent to 139.2 (provisional) from 134.7 (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 3.4 percent to 150.1 (provisional) from 145.1 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of tea (15%), fruits & vegetables (14%), peas/chawali (6%), maize (5%), poultry chicken (4%), arhar, bajra and pork (3% each), gram and condiments & spices (2% each) and masur, urad, mutton and rajma (1% each). However, the price of egg (6%), betel leaves (4%), barley and wheat (3% each) and beef and buffalo meat (1%) declined.

The index for ' Non-Food Articles' group rose by 2.6 percent to 126.7 (provisional) from 123.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of floriculture (11%), safflower (kardi seed) (9%), raw cotton (7%), niger seed and castor seed (6% each), gaur seed, soyabean and cotton seed (3% each), groundnut seed and skins (raw) (2% each) and raw silk, linseed, raw rubber and fodder (1% each). However, the price of copra (coconut), raw jute and mesta (3% each), gingelly seed (sesamum) and sunflower (2% each) and rape & mustard seed and coir fibre (1% each) declined.

The index for 'Minerals' group rose by 5.3 percent to 144 (provisional) from 136.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of sillimanite (27%), copper concentrate (16%) and chromite (3%). However, the price of iron ore and lead concentrate (5% each), garnet and manganese ore (3% each) and limestone (1%) declined.

The index for 'Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas' group rose by 2.4 percent to 89.7 (provisional) from 87.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of natural gas (6%) and crude petroleum (1%).

FUEL & POWER (Weight 13.15%)

The index for this major group declined by 0.5 percent to 102.8 (provisional) from 103.3 (provisional) for the previous month. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

The index for 'Mineral Oils' group rose by 0.4 percent to 95.4 (provisional) from 95 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of LPG (5%), naphtha (3%), petrol and kerosene (2% each) and ATF (1%). However, the price of petroleum coke (3%), furnace oil (2%) and HSD (1%) declined.

The index for 'Electricity' group declined by 3.1 percent to 107.3 (provisional) from 110.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of electricity (3%).

MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS (Weight 64.23%)

The index for this major group remained unchanged at its previous month level of 118.3. The groups and items which showed variations during the month are as follows:-

The index for 'Manufacture Of Food Products' group rose by 0.2 percent to 128.7 (provisional) from 128.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of processed tea (9%), honey and chicken/duck, dressed - fresh/frozen (5% each), castor oil, gram powder (besan), processing and preserving of fish, crustaceans and molluscs and products thereof, buffalo meat, fresh/frozen and rapeseed oil (2% each) and manufacture of cocoa, chocolate and sugar confectionery, manufacture of starches and starch products, manufacture of health supplements, powder milk, processing and preserving of fruit and vegetables, sugar, spices (including mixed spices) and bagasse (1% each). However, the price of molasses (29%), groundnut oil (9%), copra oil and maida (3% each), mustard oil, coffee powder with chicory, sooji (rawa ), manufacture of macaroni, noodles, couscous and similar farinaceous products and wheat flour (atta) (2% each) and instant coffee, palm oil, manufacture of prepared animal feeds, soyabean oil, rice bran oil and wheat bran (1% each) declined.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Beverages' group rose by 0.7 percent to 122.7 (provisional) from 121.9 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of wine (2%) and rectified spirit, spirits and aerated drinks/soft drinks (incl. soft drink concentrates) (1% each).

The index for 'Manufacture Of Tobacco Products' group rose by 0.6 percent to 154.6 (provisional) from 153.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of other tobacco products (3%). However, the price of cigarette and biri (1% each) declined.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Textiles' group rose by 0.6 percent to 119.4 (provisional) from 118.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of manufacture of cordage, rope, twine and netting (2%) and cotton yarn and weaving & finishing of textiles (1% each). However, the price of woollen yarn (1%) declined.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Wearing Apparel' group rose by 0.4 percent to 138.5 (provisional) from 138 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of manufacture of knitted and crocheted apparel (2%).

The index for 'Manufacture Of Leather And Related Products' group rose by 0.5 percent to 120.8 (provisional) from 120.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of chrome tanned leather (4%), gloves of leather (2%) and vegetable tanned leather (1%). However, the price of travel goods, handbags, office bags, etc. and harness, saddles & other related items (2% each) and athletic/sport shoes, belt & other articles of leather and leather shoe (1% each) declined.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Wood And Of Products Of Wood And Cork ' group declined by 1.5 percent to 133.6 (provisional) from 135.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of particle boards (4%), wooden box/crate (3%), lamination wooden sheets/veneer sheets (2%) and wood cutting, processed/sized and plywood block boards (1% each). However, the price of timber/wooden plank, sawn/resawn (3%), wooden board (non-electrical) (2%) and wooden block - compressed or not (1%) moved up.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Paper And Paper Products' group declined by 0.5 percent to 123.7 (provisional) from 124.3 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of paper bag including craft paper bag (6%), newsprint and corrugated sheet box (2% each) and paper for printing & writing and kraft paper (1% each). However, the price of laminated plastic sheet (2%) and corrugated paper board and paper carton/box (1% each) moved up.

The index for 'Printing And Reproduction Of Recorded Media ' group rose by 1.2 percent to 147.5 (provisional) from 145.8 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of journal/periodical and printed books (2% each). However, the price of printed labels/posters/calendars (3%) declined.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical And Botanical Products' group declined by 1 percent to 124.4 (provisional) from 125.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of vials/ampoule, glass, empty or filled (4%), anti-malarial drugs (3%), API & formulations of vitamins, cotton wool (medicinal), antidiabetic drug excluding insulin (i.e. tolbutam), digestive enzymes and antacids and antioxidants (2% each) and anti cancer drugs and antibiotics & preparations thereof (1% each). However, the price of anti-retroviral drugs for HIV treatment (2%) and antiseptics and disinfectants, medical accessories and vaccine for hepatitis b (1% each) moved up.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Rubber And Plastics Products' group rose by 0.4 percent to 110.3 (provisional) from 109.9 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of medium & heavy commercial vehicle tyre (4%), plastic button (3%), plastic box/container and elastic webbing (2% each) and  plastic bag, rubber crumb, plastic film, tooth brush, motor car tyre (1% each). However, the price of plastic furniture (4%), rubberized dipped fabric (2%) and plastic tube (flexible/non-flexible), polythene film, acrylic/plastic sheet, plastic bottle, rubber moulded goods and thermocol (1% each) declined.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Other Non-Metallic Mineral Products' group rose by 0.2 percent to 116.8 (provisional) from 116.6 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of clinker (4%), ordinary portland cement (2%) and slag cement, fibre glass incl. sheet, lime and calcium carbonate, plain bricks, pozzolana cement, toughened glass, porcelain crockery, railway sleeper, asbestos corrugated sheet, ordinary sheet glass and porcelain sanitary ware (1% each). However, the price of graphite rod (10%), ceramic tiles (vitrified tiles) (3%), marble slab, cement superfine and non ceramic tiles (2% each) and poles & posts of concrete and white cement (1% each) declined.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Basic Metals' group declined by 0.4 percent to 110.6 (provisional) from 111 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of sponge iron/direct reduced iron (DRI) (3%), ferrosilicon, ferrochrome, MS pencil ingots and stainless steel coils, strips & sheets (2% each) and aluminium alloys, other ferro alloys, hot rolled (HR) coils & sheets, including narrow strip, cold rolled (CR) coils & sheets, including narrow strip, stainless steel tubes, alloy steel wire rods, aluminium powder, copper shapes - bars/rods/plates/strips, ms bright bars, aluminium ingot, stainless steel bars & rods, including flats, copper metal/copper rings, alloy steel castings and GP/GC sheet (1% each). However, the price of aluminium disk and circles (4%), steel cables (2%) and rails, aluminium shapes - bars/rods/flats, MS castings, steel forgings - rough, angles, channels, sections, steel (coated/not), pig iron, brass metal/sheet/coils (1% each) moved up.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Fabricated Metal Products, Except Machinery And Equipment' group rose by 0.9 percent to 117.2 (provisional) from 116.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of cylinders, electrical stamping- laminated or otherwise (3% each) and hand tools, sanitary fittings of iron & steel, hose pipes in set or otherwise, copper bolts, screws, nuts and steel structures (1% each). However, the price of metal cutting tools & accessories (3%) and forged steel rings, bolts, screws, nuts & nails of iron & steel, steel drums and barrels and pressure cooker (1% each) declined.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Computer, Electronic And Optical Products' group declined by 0.3 percent to 111 (provisional) from 111.3 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of electro-diagnostic apparatus, used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences (5%) and colour tv (1%). However, the price of microscope (3%) and capacitors (1%) moved up.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Electrical Equipment' group declined by 0.1 percent to 112 (provisional) from 112.1 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of fibre optic cables (6%), jelly filled cables, electric switch gear control/starter, electric welding machine and ACSR conductors (2% each) and connector/plug/socket/holder-electric, incandescent lamps, insulator, domestic gas stove, flourescent tube, PVC insulated cable and rubber insulated cables (1% each). However, the price of air coolers (3%), generator parts (2%) and electrical resistors (except heating resistors), aluminium wire, generators & alternators, batteries, electric wires & cables, transformer and washing machines/laundry machines (1% each) moved up.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Machinery And Equipment' group declined by 0.2 percent to 112.1 (provisional) from 112.3 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of injection pump (7%), rice mill machinery and pressure vessel and tank for fermentation & other food processing (6% each), drilling machine (3%), water purifier, pump sets without motor, separator, open end spinning machinery and air filters (2% each) and  harvesters, hydraulic pump, windmill turbines (2500kw) and hydraulic equipment (1% each). However, the price of packing machine (5%), air gas compressor including compressor for refrigerator and pneumatic tools (3% each), moulding machine, conveyors - non-roller type, manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing and driving elements, roller and ball bearings, motor starter, oil pump, sewing machines and cranes (2% each) and  pharmaceutical machinery, excavator, roller mill (raymond), clutches and shaft couplings, threshers, soil preparation & cultivation machinery (other than tractors) and grinding or polishing machine (1% each) moved up.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Motor Vehicles, Trailers And Semi-Trailers' group declined by 0.4 percent to 113 (provisional) from 113.5 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of seat for motor vehicles (11%), crankshaft (4%), passenger vehicles (2%) and brake pad/brake liner/brake block/brake rubber, others, chassis of different vehicle types and head lamp (1% each). However, the price of steering gear control system (4%), minibus/bus and chain (2% each) and cylinder liners, release valve, axles of motor vehicles and wheels/wheels & parts (1% each) moved up.

The index for 'Manufacture of Other Transport Equipment' group rose by 0.2 percent to 113.4 (provisional) from 113.2 (provisional) for the previous month due to higher price of Scooters. However, the price of railway brake gear (2%) declined.

The index for 'Manufacture Of Furniture' group declined by 0.1 percent to 129.3 (provisional) from 129.4 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of hospital furniture (2%) and plastic fixtures and foam and rubber mattress (1% each). However, the price of steel shutter gate (1%) moved up.

The index for 'Other Manufacturing' group declined by 2.1 percent to 106.4 (provisional) from 108.7 (provisional) for the previous month due to lower price of stringed musical instruments (incl. santoor, guitars, etc.) and silver (4% each), gold & gold ornaments (2%) and football (1%). However, the price of plastic moulded-others toys, table tennis table and non mechanical toys (3% each), carrom board and cricket ball (2% each) and playing cards (1%) moved up.

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 3.89% in March, 2019 to 4.95% in April, 2019.

FINAL INDEX FOR THE MONTH OF  FEBRUARY, 2019 (BASE YEAR:2011-12=100)

For the month of February, 2019, the final Wholesale Price Index for 'All Commodities'(Base: 2011-12=100) and annual rate of inflation remained unchanged at its provisional level of 119.5 and 2.93 percent respectively as reported on 14.03.2019.

Next date of press release: 14/06/2019 for the month of May, 2019

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)

Month of April, 2019

Annexure-II

Trend of Rate of Inflation for some important items during last six months