CPI rises to 9.4% in March 2012

18 Apr 2012 Evaluate

The consumer price index (CPI) has surged to 9.4% in March as compared to 8.33% in February 2012, as per data released by the central statistical organization (CSO). The March numbers are provisional whereas the February numbers are final.

The corresponding provisional inflation rates for rural and urban areas for March 2012 are 8.79% and 10.30% respectively. Inflation rates (final) for rural and urban areas for February 2012 are 8.36% and 9.45% respectively.

The CPI numbers which are a recent addition to the government’s data, show the impact of inflation on the final consumer. The WPI (wholesale price index) which is traditionally used by the RBI as an inflation gauge monitors the wholesale prices of the country and so far it was assumed that the consumer inflation would move in the same fashion. However the concept came under criticism as it was felt that these statistics do not correctly bring to light the impact of inflation on the aam aadmi. Hence the government has now started collecting the CPI numbers to get a better account of inflation levels in the economy.

However it will take some time before the series is firmly established and the RBI can start using it as a gauge for inflation. The apex bank has recently cut interest rates by 50 basis points to spur the economy. The cut was based on the WPI index after establishing the fact that inflation has taken a downward trajectory after being stubbornly high for many months.

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