Retail inflation in India rose to 3.21 percent in February, up from 2.75 percent in January

Current Context: Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report – February 2026 was released by MoSPI on 12 March 2026 via PIB, based on the new base year 2024=100.

• Headline retail inflation rose to 3.21%, up from 2.74% in January (a 47 basis point increase).
• Rural inflation stood at 3.37%, while urban inflation was 3.02%.
• Food inflation (CFPI) climbed to 3.47% (rural 3.46%, urban 3.48%), despite sharp month‑on‑month drops in tomatoes, peas, and cauliflower indices.
• The CPI general index showed an uptick, with January’s final at 104.45 (rural 104.59, urban 104.28).
• Housing inflation eased to 2.12% (rural 2.43%, urban 2.00%).
• Items like garlic, onions, potatoes, arhar, and litchi recorded low inflation, moderating overall price pressures.

Question:

Q.1 According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report – February 2026, what was the rural inflation rate?
a) 3.37%
b) 3.21%
c) 3.02%
d) 3.47%

Answer: a) Rural inflation stood at 3.37%, while urban inflation was 3.02%.