WPI: Partial Data Shows Wholesale Inflation Eased In April

On Thursday, after the Ministry of Statistics suspended the release of headline retail inflation (CPI) earlier this week due to the nationwide lockdown, data collected for the price movement of selected sub-groups for wholesale price inflation (WPI) showed that the index eased to 3.60 percent in April from a rise of 5.49 percent in March.

The ministry did not release the complete set of WPI figures for April due to the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on data collection.

In a note, the Office of Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said: "In view of the limited transactions of products in the wholesale market in the month of April, 2020, due to spread of Covid-19 pandemic, it has been decided to release the Price Movement of selected Sub-groups/Groups of WPI, following the principles of adequacy."

"All Commodities WPI could not be computed for April-2020 due to non-availability of manufactured product group index."

The price collection of manufactured products through personal visits of officials was suspended from 19 March due to the preventive measures and announcement of nationwide lockdown by the government to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, DPIIT said.

Data on retail food inflation released on 12 May showed that CPI picked up in April to 10.5 percent from 8.76 percent a month ago.