Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: Odisha was among the five states with the highest retail inflation in October, recording a rate of 7.17 per cent against the national average of 6.09 per cent, as rising food prices continued to put pressure on household budgets.
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According to the latest data released by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, inflation was significantly higher in rural Odisha than in urban areas. Rural inflation stood at 7.74 per cent, while urban inflation was recorded at 5.63 per cent.
Vegetable prices add to household burden
Rising prices of essential vegetables emerged as a major contributor to the cost-of-living pressure. Onion prices registered a sharp 116 per cent increase, while garlic became 61 per cent more expensive and lemon prices rose by 47 per cent.
Ginger and other essential commodities also contributed to the strain on household expenditure. However, consumers received some relief from potato prices, which recorded a 14 per cent decline in inflation.
Silver jewellery also saw its inflation rate ease from 88 per cent earlier to 52 per cent, according to the report.
Tamil Nadu records highest inflation
Among Indian states, Tamil Nadu topped the retail inflation chart at 7.29 per cent. Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh followed, with Odisha occupying the fifth position at 7.17 per cent.
The state’s inflation rate was more than one percentage point above the national average, highlighting the continued pressure on consumers, particularly in rural areas.
Economist points to food and oil price pressures
Odisha-based economist Trinath Lenka attributed the rise in inflation to higher food prices and fluctuations in oil prices.
He noted that the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation increased to 6.09 per cent in October from 5.54 per cent in September, moving further above the Reserve Bank of India’s stated 4 per cent inflation target.
Lenka also pointed to food inflation, which rose to nearly 8.94 per cent in October from 7.74 per cent in the previous month.
He said higher oil prices during October had contributed to the inflationary pressure, adding that crude oil prices had reportedly climbed to around $117 before declining to approximately $90 after the elections.
The economist expressed hope that the fall in crude oil prices would help moderate inflation in November and provide some relief to consumers.
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