The inflation rate for industrial workers based on the all-India consumer price index (CPI-IW) stood lower at 11.72 per cent in August against 11.89 per cent in July.

The all-India consumer price index for industrial workers (with base 2001=100) increased by two points in August 2009 and stood at 162, a government release said.

During August 2009, the index recorded a maximum increase of 8 points in Mercara centre, 7 points in Guwahati centre and by 5 points each in Sholapur, Nasik, Ahmedabad, Agra and Yamunanagar centres.

The index recorded an increase of 4 points each in 10 centres, 3 points each in 9 centres, 2 points each in 15 centres and 1 point each in 20 centres.

The index decreased by 3 points in Quilon centre and by 1 point in 6 centres, while in the remaining 10 centres the index remained stationary, the release noted.

The maximum increase of 8 points in Mercara centre has been attributed to an increase in the prices of rice, arhar dal, vegetable and fruit items, sugar, tea (readymade), shirting cloth (synthetic), cinema etc.