India's retail inflation eases to 3.48% in April, comes below market expectations
India’s retail inflation cooled further in April, offering relief to policymakers and consumers amid ongoing concerns over food and energy prices.
India’s retail inflation remained largely under control in April, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation coming in at 3.48 per cent year-on-year, marginally higher than March’s 3.40 per cent reading but sharply below market expectations of 3.80 per cent, according to the latest government data.
The lower-than-expected inflation reading strengthens hopes that price pressures in the economy are moderating despite global commodity volatility and weather-related risks. The data also provides some breathing room for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which has been closely monitoring food inflation, crude oil trends and monsoon-related uncertainties.
Economists say easing inflation could support consumer sentiment and improve the outlook for interest-rate stability in the coming months. However, risks from global energy markets, supply-chain disruptions and erratic weather conditions remain key factors to watch.
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