WPI Data April 2026: Wholesale inflation hits over 3 year high of 8.3% as fuel prices surge

WPI Data April 2026: India’s wholesale inflation accelerated sharply in April 2026, with the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation rising to 8.3 per cent from 3.88 per cent in March, driven mainly by a steep increase in fuel, crude oil and metal prices.

According to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), this is the highest WPI inflation reading in recent months. The rise was largely led by higher prices of mineral oils, crude petroleum and natural gas, basic metals and manufactured products.

The WPI index rose to 167 in April from 160.8 in March. On a month-on-month basis, wholesale inflation increased 3.86 per cent in April, compared with a 1.52 per cent rise in March.

As per data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India’s annual Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation had eased to an 18-month low of 10.7 per cent in September 2022 from 12.41 per cent in August 2022. The latest WPI inflation reading of 8.3 per cent in April 2026 shows wholesale inflation has climbed back sharply, reaching one of the highest levels seen in more than three years.

Fuel and power inflation spikes

The fuel and power segment saw the sharpest increase among all major categories. Inflation in the segment jumped to 24.71 per cent in April against 1.05 per cent in March.

The fuel and power index climbed 18.22 per cent month-on-month to 181.7 in April from 153.7 in March. Mineral oil prices rose 29.37 per cent during the month.

Petrol inflation stood at 32.4 per cent year-on-year, while high-speed diesel (HSD) inflation came in at 25.19 per cent. Crude petroleum inflation surged 88.06 per cent annually.

The sharp rise in global crude oil prices amid geopolitical tensions has increased input costs across sectors, pushing wholesale inflation higher.

Primary articles inflation rises above 9 per cent

Inflation in primary articles increased to 9.17 per cent in April from 6.36 per cent in March.

Crude petroleum and natural gas prices rose 16.42 per cent month-on-month, while food articles prices increased 1.41 per cent. Minerals prices also moved higher.

Among food items, vegetables inflation stood at 0.53 per cent year-on-year in April, compared with 1.45 per cent in March. Onion prices remained lower on a yearly basis, though the pace of decline eased.

Milk inflation was recorded at 2.56 per cent, while eggs, meat and fish inflation rose 6.68 per cent.

Manufactured products inflation edges higher

Inflation in manufactured products rose to 4.62 per cent in April from 3.39 per cent in March.

Prices increased across sectors such as basic metals, textiles, chemicals and machinery. Basic metals inflation stood at 7 per cent, while textiles inflation rose to 7.3 per cent.

Chemicals and chemical products inflation accelerated to 5.09 per cent during the month.

Out of the 22 manufacturing groups tracked under WPI, 21 groups reported a rise in prices in April.

Food inflation remains relatively moderate

The WPI food index rose to 2.31 per cent in April from 1.85 per cent in March.

The food index increased to 195.1 in April from 192.8 in March. While some food items saw higher prices, overall food inflation remained lower than fuel-led inflation.

Why WPI inflation matters

Wholesale inflation tracks price changes at the producer or wholesale level before goods reach consumers.

A sharp rise in WPI inflation generally indicates higher input costs for companies. If businesses pass on these costs, retail inflation may also rise in the coming months.

Higher wholesale inflation can also impact corporate margins, manufacturing costs and interest rate expectations.