Food inflation rate in India from April 2021 to September 2026

The food inflation in India rose to  ********************************************** percent year-on-year in September 2026. In 2024, the food inflation peaked in October at about ** percent. 

Impact of inflation

Inflation is a key economic indicator of an economy, influencing purchasing power, investments, and economic growth. The rise in food prices, which comprise about **** of the consumer price index (CPI) basket, affects large sections of the Indian population. Supply chain disruptions, increased cost of production, global market dependency, weather conditions, and government policies on minimum support prices are some reasons leading to food inflation. 

TOP drivers of food inflation

Price-sensitive vegetables viz. tomato, onion, and potato (TOP) were the leading drivers of food inflation as per the Economic Survey for the financial year 2025. Experts argue that price pressures are not mainly due to a shortfall in production but post-harvest losses, seasonal production, and regional dispersion in production.