Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), declined to 70.6 per cent in October from 73.7 per cent in September, showing a decreasing tread for the first time this year.Following a similar trend, the Food inflation (Y-o-Y) decreased to 80.9 per cent in October from 85.8 per cent in September, while the Non-Food inflation (Y-o-Y) decreased to 61.3 per cent in October from 62.8 per cent in September.
According to the Census and Statistics Department, price decreases of food items were mainly reported for fresh fish, rice, dried fish, coconut oil, sugar, mysore dhal, potatoes, chicken, biscuits, wheat flour, chili powder and green chilies.However, increases in index values were reported for milk powder, big onions, fresh fruits, limes, tea dust/leaves, coconuts, red onions, bread, rice flour, vegetables, infant milk powder, green gram and ‘papadam’.
The increases in index values of non-food groups in October compared to the previous month was mainly due to the price increases in groups of items ‘Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Narcotics’ (Arrack), ‘Clothing and Footwear’, ‘Furnishing, Household equipment and Routine household maintenance’ (Washing soap), ‘Health’ (Purchase of medical/pharmacy products, Payments to private hospitals/nursing homes), ‘Communication’ (Telephone charges – mobile and home fixed phone), ‘Recreation and Culture’ (Exercise books and stationeries), ‘Education’ (Tuition fees), ‘Restaurants and Hotels’ and ‘Miscellaneous Goods and Services’ (soap).However, price decreases in groups of items were reported for ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other fuels’ (Materials for the Maintenance) and ‘Transport’ (Petrol and Diesel).
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