The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released September CPI data Monday, showing retail inflation at 5.54%, up 0.71 point from August's 4.83%. Food prices surged to 7.74%, a jump from 5.97% last month.
Rural inflation edged higher to 6.08% from 5.24%, while urban areas rose to 4.88% from 4.31%. Rural food inflation hit 8.06% against 7.18% in cities.
Onion prices exploded 108.09%, the steepest increase, while ginger, garlic, and lemon rose 62.85%, 54.62%, and 36.41% respectively. Silver jewellery also jumped 87.80%.
Other sectors saw mixed moves: restaurants and accommodation inflation climbed 9.36%, personal care and miscellaneous goods rose 13.75%, but motor cars dipped 4.51%.
State‑wise, Puducherry topped at 6.86%, followed by Tamil Nadu 6.81% and Odisha 6.70%. The figures are provisional; October CPI will be released on November 12.