December WPI inflation rises to 0.83 per cent from November deflation

WPI Data: India’s wholesale price inflation edged up in December, data released on Wednesday showed.

The wholesale price index (WPI) inflation stood at 0.83 per cent in December, compared with a contraction of 0.32 per cent in the previous month.

Wholesale price inflation turned positive in December 2025, driven by higher prices across key manufacturing and primary segments.

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The positive print was largely led by a rise in prices of other manufacturing goods, minerals, machinery and equipment, food products and textiles, among others. This marked a clear shift from November, when wholesale prices were in deflation for the second straight month, though the pace of decline had eased compared with October’s sharp fall, the steepest since July 2023. The softer deflation in November was mainly due to a moderation in food prices.

Food prices edge up

Food prices showed a mild recovery in December. The WPI food index inflation stood at 0 per cent in December, compared with a contraction of 2.60 per cent in November.

Sharp inflation was seen in oilseeds and minerals, with prices rising 14.82 per cent and 11.86 per cent, respectively. Prices of milk, eggs, meat, fish and fruits also increased during the month.

However, prices of vegetables declined 3.50 per cent, while pulses fell 13.88 per cent and wheat slipped 1.58 per cent. Onion and potato saw the steepest deflation, with prices plunging 54.40 per cent and 38.21 per cent, respectively.

Primary articles turn costlier

Prices of primary articles, which include farm produce, minerals and non-food items, rose in December. Within this category, non-food articles, minerals and food articles recorded an increase. In contrast, prices of crude petroleum and natural gas edged lower during the month.

Fuel, power and manufactured goods

Fuel and power prices also moved higher in December. The rise was mainly led by higher electricity prices, along with an increase in coal and mineral oil prices.

Manufactured product prices rose marginally. Out of 22 manufacturing groups, prices increased in 13 groups, including metals, chemicals, textiles and other manufacturing products. Prices declined in eight groups such as rubber and plastic goods, food products, electronics, paper products and beverages, while one group remained unchanged.

Retail inflation also picks up

Meanwhile, retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index, rose to 1.66 per cent in December 2025 from 0.71 per cent in November.

The rise was driven by higher prices of personal care products, meat and fish, eggs, spices, sugar and confectionery. Personal care items saw the sharpest increase, rising 28.07 per cent. Prices of meat and fish rose 5.12 per cent, while egg prices increased 4.76 per cent.