CPI Inflation Data April: Retail Inflation Jumps To 3.48% Amid LPG, Petrol Diesel Supply Concerns

India's retail prices moved up slightly in April 2026, with CPI inflation at 3.48%, compared with 3.40% in March. The rate stayed inside the Reserve Bank of India's tolerance band. MoSPI data showed food costs climbed faster, with food inflation touching 4.20% during the month.

Inflation patterns differed between regions. Rural inflation reached 3.74%, higher than urban inflation at 3.16%. Food prices in villages rose 4.26%, while cities saw food inflation at 4.10%. The overall CPI index for the combined basket increased to 105.12 in April, from 104.84 in March.

CPI inflation in April 2026 and food price trends

Within food items, some staples offered relief. Potato prices stayed in deflation, falling 23.69% year-on-year in April. Onion prices also declined, dropping 17.67%. In the transport segment, motor car and jeep prices weakened further, showing a 7.12% annual fall, which eased costs for some consumers.

Other products moved in the opposite direction and added pressure. Tomato prices jumped 35.28% compared with April 2025. Cauliflower inflation stood at 25.58%. At the category level, 'Food and beverages' inflation for the combined segment was 4.01%. Transport inflation remained almost unchanged, recorded at -0.01% for April 2026.

CPI inflation in April 2026 across states and jewellery

Price rises were sharper in personal care and services. Inflation in personal care and miscellaneous goods and services touched 17.66%. MoSPI linked this to a surge in personal effects, especially jewellery. Silver jewellery inflation was 144.34%, while gold, diamond and platinum jewellery prices recorded a 40.72% year-on-year rise.

State-wise data revealed wide differences in CPI inflation in April 2026. Telangana posted the highest combined inflation at 5.81%. Puducherry followed with 4.41%, and Andhra Pradesh reported 4.20%. Uttar Pradesh saw inflation of 3.59%. Delhi recorded one of the lowest readings among regions, at 1.96% for April.