Inflation Kept At 6 % Or Below Despite Adverse Circumstances: Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday inflation has been kept at six per cent or below despite adverse circumstances as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to a PTI report.

Price rise is a matter on which the Centre is very sensitive and responsive, said the Finance Minister.

Nirmala Sitharaman said the pandemic and the conflict had a bearing on the prices of commodities which India import, adding that the government has taken measures including giving subsidies, stated the PTI report.

"Will you compare the situation prevailing everywhere, particularly after COVID, particularly after Russia and Ukraine war? The (prices of) commodities we import are all sky-rocketing. They are not produced in India. We totally import. Is that price rise mine? But that price hits me. And there, I have to give support," the Minister said.

"Even in this adverse circumstances inflation has been kept at six per cent or below. There are times it goes up. Then we work together with RBI and say please control it," Nirmala Sitharaman said.

The PTI report added, wherever it is not possible -- for instance the crude oil and cooking gas, which are imported -- the government tries to give subsidy, she said.