India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rate for January this year was 1.81%, as per the Commerce and Industry Ministry. The positive inflation rate was driven by increased prices in basic metals, manufacturing, non-food articles, food articles, and textiles.
In January 2026, the month-over-month change in WPI was 0.51% compared to December 2025. The Food Index decreased from 196.0 in December 2025 to 194.2 in January 2026. The inflation rate based on the WPI Food Index rose to 1.41% in January year-on-year.
The manufacturing group index, with a 64.23% weight in WPI, increased by 1.3% in January. Among the 22 manufactured products, 19 groups saw price hikes, while three recorded decreases. Notable price increases were observed in basic metals, food products, textiles, and electrical equipment.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate for January 2026, based on the new base year 2024, was 2.75% compared to the previous year. Food inflation stood at 2.13% in January, with varying prices of vegetables and pulses. Housing inflation was at 2.05%, while there were significant increases in the rates for silver and gold jewellery.
