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September 2025 Inflation Report: A Mixed Bag for India
The latest inflation data for September 2025 reveals a complex economic landscape. While overall inflation softened slightly to 4.8% (down from 5.1% in August), food prices continue to rise, keeping pressure on household budgets. NextMinuteNews breaks down the key trends in an easy-to-understand chart.
Key Inflation Highlights at a Glance
India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows a second straight month of cooling inflation, but sectoral trends vary:
| Category | Inflation Rate (YoY) | Trend (vs. Aug 2025) |
|——————–|———————-|———————-|
| Food & Beverages | 6.2% | ▲ Up from 5.9% |
| Fuel & Light | 3.5% | ▼ Down from 4.1% |
| Housing | 3.8% | Steady |
| Clothing | 5.0% | ▲ Up from 4.7% |
| Transport | 4.2% | ▼ Down from 4.8% |
| Core Inflation | 4.5% | ▼ Down from 4.7% |
(Source: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation)
Why Is Food Inflation Still Rising?
Food inflation climbed to 6.2%, driven by:
– Vegetables (+12.3%): Erratic monsoons disrupted supply chains.
– Pulses (+9.1%): Lower kharif output kept prices high.
– Eggs & Meat (+7.5%): Rising feed and transport costs.
Government interventions like buffer stock releases have yet to fully stabilize prices.
Fuel & Core Inflation: Signs of Relief
- Fuel inflation fell to 3.5% due to stable crude oil prices and LPG subsidies.
- Core inflation (4.5%) eased slightly, suggesting slower demand in non-food sectors.
Regional Disparities: Who’s Hit Hardest?
- Rural areas (5.3%) outpaced urban inflation (4.4%) due to food and fuel reliance.
- South India: Higher vegetable prices.
- North India: Rising dairy costs.
RBI’s Next Move: Will Rates Hold?
With inflation near the RBI’s 6% tolerance limit, experts predict a cautious stance. Cooling core inflation may delay rate hikes, but food price volatility remains a concern.
What Should Consumers Do?
- Track food prices: Staples may stay costly in the short term.
- Look for festive deals: Electronics and apparel discounts could help.
- Monitor global trends: Oil prices and crop forecasts will shape Q4 inflation.
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