Inflation rises to 8.29 pc; WPI up at 158

After remaining static for three consecutive weeks at 8.16 per cent, the annual rate of inflation moved up by 13 basis points to 8.29 per cent for the latest recorded week-ended January 20.

The inflation rate touched a two-year high due to marginal increase in the prices of primary articles and manufactured products. The inflation rate during the corresponding week of last year was 3.92 per cent based on final data. Thus, the current WPI-based inflation rate continues to be more than double the rate prevailing a year ago.

The wholesale price index moved up by 0.1 per cent to 158 as against 157.8 the previous week. Though the prices of fuel, power, light and lubricants remained unchanged, the prices of primary items rose by 0.2 per cent, while the manufactured products' prices increased by 0.1 per cent during the week.