India’s wholesale inflation rises to 2.13% in Feb 2026

India’s wholesale price inflation rose to 2.13% year-on-year in February 2026, driven primarily by higher prices of manufactured goods, metals, textiles, and select primary articles, according to official data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).The data, based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), showed a steady uptick in inflation over recent months. The WPI-based inflation rate stood at 1.81% in January 2026 and 0.96% in December 2025, indicating a gradual firming of wholesale prices.
According to information,the overall WPI index for all commodities increased to 158.2 in February, up from 157.8 in January. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry attributed the positive inflation rate largely to rising prices of manufactured products, basic metals, non-food articles, food items, and textiles.The manufactured products segment, which carries the highest weight of 64.23% in the WPI basket, recorded an annual inflation rate of 2.92% in February. Price increases were observed across sectors such as food products, textiles, electrical equipment, chemicals, and other manufacturing categories.However, some segments including basic metals, computer and electronic products, fabricated metal products, and wood products witnessed a decline in prices on a month-on-month basis.
Primary articles record moderate inflation
Inflation in primary articles rose to 3.27% in February, although the index for the category edged lower on a monthly basis. Prices of crude petroleum and natural gas increased during the month, while food articles and minerals saw some easing compared with January.Within food items, vegetables and onions recorded notable month-on-month declines, while fruits registered an increase.
Fuel and power remain in deflation
The fuel and power category continued to remain in negative territory, with prices declining 3.78% year-on-year in February. While mineral oil prices saw a monthly uptick, electricity prices registered a slight decline.
Food inflation shows mixed trend
The WPI Food Index, which combines food articles and manufactured food products, rose 1.85% year-on-year in February, compared with 1.41% in January. However, the index eased to 192.9 from 194.2 on a monthly basis, reflecting moderation in certain food prices.
Monthly movement and outlook
On a month-on-month basis, the WPI increased 0.25% in February compared with January, suggesting a mild rise in price pressures.The provisional data for February was compiled with a weighted response rate of 83.9%, while the final data for December 2025 was based on a response rate of 93.1%. The next set of WPI data for March 2026 is scheduled to be released on April 14.The latest figures point to a gradual build-up in wholesale inflation, even as easing food prices and continued deflation in fuel and power provide some relief to overall price pressures,noted experts.

(Business Correspondent)