State-level inflation data for items likely in new CPI series
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Do mangoes cost more in Uttar Pradesh or in Maharashtra? How much more is a consumer in Assam paying for tomatoes than his or her counterpart in Andhra Pradesh.The statistics ministry is planning to release state-level inflation data for individual items in the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series, along with rural and urban breakdowns at the national scale, a move that will allow experts to gain insights into price trends across different commodities in each state.While such data is used to compile the inflation index , it has not been available in the public domain.Currently, state-wise inflation data is available only at the sub-group level, such as vegetables, fruits and personal care. Item-specific figures within these categories are published at the all-India level."We are planning to provide item-level data by state, along with rural and urban breakdown at the national level, as recommended by the expert group and demanded by the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) too," the official said. The exercise is part of the ministry's initiative to enhance transparency in data by disseminating granular level data in the public domain.The revamped Consumer Price Index series will be released in the first quarter of 2026, with 2024 as the new base year. The revised item weights will be drawn from the HCES 2023-24. At present, the base year is 2012.In May, retail inflation slowed to a 75-month low of 2.8%, helped by a decline in food prices.Out of 36 states and union territories, 19 reported higher inflation than the national average. Goa reported the highest rate at 6.8%, followed by Kerala (6.5%), Lakshadweep (6.2%), Punjab (5.2%), and Daman & Diu and Jammu & Kashmir (4.6% each). Official figures for June will be released on July 14.Cost of consumer services, such as telephone bills (mobile and landline), water charges, washerman and barber fees, legal expenses, and plumbing charges are also likely to be included in the new series. The aim is to enhance coverage of services data, the official said. "If the items have a significant weight, we will include it."According to the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24, consumer services excluding conveyance accounted for 5.3% of the average monthly per capita consumption expenditure in rural areas and 5.7% in urban areas.
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