March CPI inflation: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for the month of March 2026 rose marginally to 3.40%, up from 3.21% in February. The annual inflation rate, measured by the All India Consumer Price Index with base year 2024, stood at 3.40% (provisional) in March 2026 compared to March 2025. Rural inflation was recorded at 3.63%, while urban inflation came in lower at 3.11%.Food inflation, based on the All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), was 3.87% (provisional) for March 2026 on a year-on-year basis. The rate was slightly higher in rural areas at 3.96%, compared to 3.71% in urban regions.Housing inflation for March 2026 was estimated at 2.11% (provisional). Within this, rural housing inflation stood at 2.54%, whereas urban housing inflation was lower at 1.95%.The top 5 items with low inflation at all India combined level were; onions (-27.76%), potato (-18.98%), garlic (-10.18%), archer & tur (-9.56%), peas & chickpeas (-7.87%).The top 5 items with high inflation at all India combined level were; silver jewellery (148.61%), Gold/Diamond/Platinum Jewellery (45.92%), Coconut: copra (45.52%), tomato (35.99%), cauliflower (34.11%).RBI has a target of 4% CPI inflation with a 2% margin either way, making the board target inflation range between 2-6%. The CPI inflation has been within RBI’s comfort zone for some months now. However inflationary pressures from rising global crude oil prices may keep the central bank on a wait-and-watch mode in terms of any further policy rate cuts.(This story is being updated)
