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India’s retail inflation rose to 3.21 per cent in February 2026, while food inflation increased to 3.47 per cent from 2.13 per cent in January 2026.
India’s CPI inflation in February
India’s retail inflation rose to 3.21 per cent in February 2026. India’s food inflation also grew to 3.47 per cent, compared to 2.13 per cent in January 2026.
Key drivers of inflation
Among major categories, personal care and miscellaneous goods saw the highest inflation at 19.64 per cent, followed by paan, tobacco and intoxicants (3.49 per cent) and food and beverages (3.35 per cent).
On the other hand, transport inflation remained negative at –0.05 per cent, suggesting easing costs in that segment.
Items showing sharp price changes
Several commodities witnessed sharp price movements during the month.
Items with highest inflation:
Silver jewellery: 160.84%
Gold/diamond/platinum jewellery: 48.16%
Coconut (copra): 46.16%
Tomato: 45.29%
Cauliflower: 43.77%
Items with lowest inflation (price decline):
Garlic: –31.09%
Onion: –28.20%
Potato: –18.46%
Arhar/Tur: –16.00%
Litchi: –11.52%
The government also noted a month-on-month decline of more than 10 per cent in the index of tomato, peas and cauliflower in February compared with January.
State-wise trends
Among large states, Telangana recorded the highest CPI inflation at 5.02 per cent, followed by Rajasthan (3.53 per cent), Kerala (3.50 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (3.45 per cent) and West Bengal (3.44 per cent)
March 12, 2026, 16:10 IST
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