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15 July 2026

Wholesale price inflation data

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is a critical macroeconomic indicator and a standard index frequently referenced in UPSC Mains questions regarding inflation, economic growth, and monetary policy.

1 min read Day 1 of 4 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation increased to 9.87% in June from 9.68% in May.
  • The current WPI series utilizes 2022-23 as the base year.
  • Food inflation surged to 5.49% in June compared to 3.60% in May.
  • Rainfall deficits attributed to El Niño are identified as a primary cause for the rise in food prices.
  • Non-food articles recorded an inflation rate of 11.07%.
  • Mineral inflation stood at 9.45% in June.
  • Key drivers of WPI inflation include mineral oils (petroleum products), food articles, basic metals, and chemicals/chemical products.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 4 in Wholesale and Retail Inflation Trends, which has been running since 15 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Analyze the factors contributing to the recent rise in Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation in India. How do supply-side constraints, such as climatic variations, impact the overall inflationary trend? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Discuss the significance of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) as a macroeconomic indicator in India. Evaluate how the shift in base years and the volatility in commodity prices, such as mineral oils and food articles, influence monetary policy formulation and economic stability. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following is currently used as the base year for the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India according to the latest data?

  2. Which of the following factors was specifically cited as a reason for the rise in food inflation in the recent WPI data?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-15/wholesale-price-inflation-data