India’s Wholesale Inflation Rises to 9.92% in August 2026 Driven by High Fuel and Food Costs

Official economic data released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on September 14, 2026, revealed that India’s headline Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to 9.92% year-on-year in August 2026, compared to 9.78% recorded in July 2026. The overall commodity index reached 110.8, up from 110.0 in the previous month, reflecting widespread price pressures across energy, manufactured products, and primary commodities. The fuel and power category recorded the steepest spike, jumping to 22.93% in August from 20.05% in July, as global energy market disruptions and shipping uncertainties pushed up wholesale fuel costs. Meanwhile, the WPI food index inflation edged up to 7.05% from 6.65% in July, driven by higher prices for essential food items and primary agricultural articles. Manufactured products inflation also witnessed a slight uptick, reaching 8.37% compared to 8.29% in the prior month. The rise in wholesale price pressures indicates sustained input cost challenges for Indian businesses and manufacturers. While primary article inflation registered a slight decline from 8.52% in July to 7.76% in August, elevated manufacturing and energy overheads may filter into retail consumer prices in the coming quarters. Policymakers and industry leaders are closely monitoring these cost dynamics to gauge their impact on corporate earnings and broader macroeconomic stability.