WPI inflation 3.88% in March 2026; CPI 3.40%
Next story · 15 AprUrban Challenge Fund guidelines: ₹1 lakh crore to leverage ₹4 lakh crore
Asked by UPSCPrelims 2020Mains 2024 (GS3)2 PYQs
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
- Prelims 2020Consider the following statements: The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). …Solve with answer →
- Mains 2024 · GS3What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control…See model answer →
What happened
- WPI inflation was 3.88% in March 2026 [PIB]; CPI inflation (base 2024) was 3.40% [PIB].
Background
- WPI tracks producer prices; CPI drives RBI’s 4% (±2%) target.
Why it matters
- Watch fuel in the WPI basket; it is the first place an oil shock shows up.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-04-15): WPI inflation was 3.88% in March 2026; CPI inflation (base 2024) was 3.40%.
- Watch fuel in the WPI basket; it is the first place an oil shock shows up.
Quotable data pointWPI inflation was 3.88% in March 2026.
PIB: Commerce: WPI March 2026, 15 Apr 2026
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: WPI vs CPI.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
WPI March 2026
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
CPI March 2026
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
CPI base
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
Official source: PIB: Commerce: WPI March 2026, 15 Apr 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending