Food inflation touches 10.60 pc

Food inflation, as measured by Wholesale Price Index (WPI), stood at 9.32 per cent in the previous week. The rate of price rise of food items stood at 15.72 per cent in the corresponding week of 2010.

As per data released by the government today, vegetables became 17.59 per cent more expensive year-on-year during the week ended October 8. Fruits grew dearer by 12.39 per cent, milk by 10.80 per cent and eggs, meat and fish by 14.10 per cent on an annual basis.Pulses also became dearer by 7.42 per cent and cereal prices were up 4.73 per cent year-on-year.

However, onions became 11.27 cheaper and wheat prices were down 0.18 per cent during the week under review.Food inflation had previously crossed the double-digit mark in the week ended August 20. Inflation in overall primary articles stood at 11.18 per cent for the week ended October 8, compared to 10.60 per cent in the previous week. Primary articles have a share of over 20 per cent in the WPI.

Inflation in non-food articles, including fibres, oil seeds and minerals, was recorded at 8.51 per cent during the week under review, as against 9.59 per cent in the week ended October 1.Fuel and power inflation stood at 15.17 per cent in the week under review, compared to 15.10 per cent in the previous week.