Source: National Statistics Office (NSO)
India’s retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased to 3.34% in March 2024 — the lowest since August 2019. However, several states continued to record inflation rates above the RBI’s medium-term target of 4%, underscoring regional price pressures.
States with Highest Inflation (%):
- Kerala – 6.59
- Karnataka – 4.44
- Chhattisgarh – 4.25
- Jammu & Kashmir* – 4.00
- Maharashtra – 3.86
Includes combined data for J&K and Ladakh.
States with Lowest Inflation (%):
- Telangana – 1.06
- Jharkhand – 2.08
- Andhra Pradesh – 2.50
- Gujarat – 2.63
- Rajasthan – 2.66
Key Takeaways:
- Wide state-level variation suggests uneven impact of food prices and local supply dynamics.
- Southern states like Kerala and Karnataka saw elevated inflation, possibly due to higher food and fuel costs.
- Telangana’s low reading reflects effective price control and base effects.
